Category Specialist

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

AWE is an organisation with a unique and vital purpose: protecting the UK through world-class nuclear science and technology. By joining our team as a Category Specialist, you’ll help to assist with the implementation and execution of category management, strategic sourcing, contract management and supplier relationship management within assigned categories.

Assist with commercial and contract performance support to the business to allow management of project and commercial risk.

We currently have three roles available, covering the following categories:

• Science and Engineering - Consumables and Equipment.
• Information Technology – Hardware, Software Licenses and IT Services.

Package: £36,710 to £47,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).

Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

As a Category Specialist, you will contribute to the development and assist with the implementation of the category strategy. You will prepare and support the execution of RFx processes, support in supplier evaluation and selection (tendering), contract negotiation, business award and contract handover to the business. You will also support supplier relationship management for key suppliers whilst monitoring supplier performance, and assist with external management review meetings.

As part of your role, you will also be involved in, but not limited to:

• Supplier base management, spend and supplier classification, securing competition in the supplier base.
• Delivering to Category targets and KPIs for assigned spend categories.
• Business Intelligence and Benchmarking including market analysis to support category development.
• Identify and track cost reduction initiatives, ensuring contract management and continuity of Supply Chain.
• Ensure competitive initial cost and total cost development in the contract life cycle and maintenance of the specific supplier contract for products and services.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of contracts appropriate to the scope, value and risk.
• Assist in management of commercial risks, forecast spend and change impacts with key AWE stakeholders.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Category Specialist with previous experience as a Buyer, working within a procurement function, ideally in a category-led team. Candidates should have an understanding of category management and procurement processes, with exposure to indirect spend areas such as Science and Engineering - consumables and equipment, and/or Information Technology – Hardware, Software Licenses and IT Services.

You will be familiar with supporting buying activities such as the preparation of tenders and supplier negotiation. You must have strong IT skills, in particular MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Experience of working within a Commercial Environment.
• Team player and the ability to work independently.
• Good stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Advanced user of electronic purchasing systems (e.g. Oracle and information management tools).
• Preference for working in a highly regulated, compliance-driven environment.
• Understanding of Category lifecycle including Public Procurement regulations.
• Proactive approach, tackles issues before they become problems.

Work Hard, Be Rewarded

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2-3 days onsite per week.

Next Steps

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important Things You Need To Know

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.