Senior Procurement Manager

code4; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement solutions provider in Reading is looking for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to lead procurement projects for major infrastructure investments. This role involves managing a team, developing procurement strategies, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. Ideal candidates should have substantial experience in construction procurement and be MCIPS qualified. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a unique 9-day working fortnight.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

Market-leading pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in regulated procurement of complex works and services.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts.
• Ability to apply principles of the Sourcing Playbook and Construction Playbook.

Responsibilities

• Lead a category team of up to 6 procurement professionals.
• Drive end-to-end procurement project management.
• Develop compliance strategies for procurement regulations.

Skills

Data analysis

Construction procurement

Contract negotiation

Strategic category management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Senior Procurement Manager - Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR

Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: £63,270 - £80,000 per annum

AWE is currently recruiting for a Senior Procurement Manager to focus on the procurement of capital investment projects covering construction, site infrastructure improvements, and asset replacement, refurbishment, and demolition.

Location: Green Park (Reading) with free onsite parking.

Package: From £63,270 up to £80,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).

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?

You will report into the Principal Procurement Manager and be responsible for developing and delivering strategic sourcing events and supplier relationship management, supporting one of the UK's largest and most strategic infrastructure investments over the next 15 years.

There are two newly created positions available. The first with a salary of up to £75,000. The second is to fulfil all duties of the Senior Procurement Manager plus acting as Deputy for the Principal Procurement Manager when required, with a base salary of up to £80,000. Both are subject to experience and capability.

As the Senior Procurement Manager, you will:

• Lead a category team of up to 6 procurement professionals of varying levels of experience, working in a matrix environment, including all line, task, and performance management.
• Drive end‑to‑end procurement project management and reporting, owning procurement plans, navigating matrix teams, managing critical paths, and mitigating risk to ensure timely contract award.
• Manage the development of AWE procurement strategy, market engagements, and tender execution, using collaborative and innovative procurement and contract strategies.
• Be responsible for developing route to market solutions that adopt latest procurement thinking, ensuring compliance to procurement regulations and our commitments to equality, fairness, and transparency.
• Translate business requirements into clear, actionable procurement strategies, working alongside the relevant Commercial Manager to develop project and programme sourcing strategies.
• Work with the Principal Procurement Manager and stakeholders to shape and maintain a clear and robust pipeline of future procurement requirements.

As part of your role, you will manage the procurement of complex infrastructure solutions, including alliances and strategic partnerships. You will support the development and implementation of relevant procurement processes, contributing to a culture that shares best practice and strives to continuously improve. You will ensure compliance with government procurement regulations, and AWE's structured procurement processes.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking experienced and people-oriented Procurement, Category or Sourcing Managers with significant experience in the regulated procurement of complex works and services. You will also ideally be MCIPS qualified. Given the broader experience and capability of the team, these roles are not suitable as development opportunities.

We would like you to have the following:

• A keen eye for data, high attention to detail, and a "we can if" solution‑focused mindset.
• Extensive experience in construction procurement, with a proven background within major infrastructure, utilities, rail, or equivalent (focussed on large‑scale projects), or extensive experience in minor works including civils, MEP, equipment fit‑out, refurbishments, or equivalent.
• Experience of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contractual arrangements, preferably using a variety of pricing arrangements and incentive models under NEC contracts, either directly or with support from subject matter experts.
• Operating within a regulated procurement environment, complying with the Procurement Act 2023, with significant experience of the prior regime (the Public Contract Regulations 2015 or equivalent).
• Developing, leading and performance managing people.
• Developing and implementing tender, evaluation, and negotiation strategies, including subcontract provisions.
• Strategic category management, with an understanding and appreciation of modern procurement practices.
• Working in cross‑functional teams across multiple programmes.
• Understanding of and ability to apply the requirements and principles of the Sourcing Playbook, Construction Playbook, and HM Treasury's five case model (ideally).

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 × 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.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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