Strategic Category Manager – Hybrid UK Defence Contract

Great British Energy Group; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE is recruiting a Category Manager (Inside IR35) for a 7-month contract on a Hybrid basis, based in Reading (3 days a week in the Reading office and the rest WFH). The role focuses on developing and delivering category strategies, executing strategic sourcing, and managing supplier performance to support national security objectives.

Essentials include proven category management experience, strong supplier management, full sourcing cycle capability, excellent analytical skills, and security

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement.
• Strong supplier management skills and risk mitigation.
• Experience running full sourcing cycles including RFx, negotiations and contract management.
• Strong analytical and market insight skills for strategy decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and cross-team collaboration.
• SC or DV security clearance, including British citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies balancing short- and long-term needs, cost efficiencies and supplier competitiveness.
• Execute strategic sourcing activities, RFx processes, supplier evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
• Manage and monitor key supplier relationships with KPIs and SLAs.
• Drive supplier performance and value creation, including management reviews.
• Ensure contract and supplier base management, including continuity of supply.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to secure engagement in category strategies and sourcing decisions.

Skills

Category management

Strategic procurement

Supplier management

RFx & negotiations

Stakeholder engagement

Security clearance

Job description

AWE is recruiting a Category Manager (Inside IR35) for a 7-month contract on a Hybrid basis, based in Reading (3 days a week in the Reading office and the rest WFH). The role focuses on developing and delivering category strategies, executing strategic sourcing, and managing supplier performance to support national security objectives.

Essentials include proven category management experience, strong supplier management, full sourcing cycle capability, excellent analytical skills, and security