At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage commercial data in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join AWE, a leader in innovation with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Proactive individuals thrive in our supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while enjoying flexible working options.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong computer skills, especially in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 30090 - 30090 £ per year.
Job Overview
Assistant Category Specialist – AWE, Reading.
Salary: £30,090 plus depending on suitability, qualifications and experience.
Working pattern: 9‑day working fortnight with flexible working options.
Security clearance: British Citizen, 5 years residency for SC clearance, 10 years for DV clearance.
Responsibilities
- Support procurement and contract management processes and analysis.
- Assist in reviews of processes and systems.
- Manage and maintain commercial data, including electronic purchasing systems and contractual/supplier records.
- Support supplier on‑boarding and record management.
- Ensure supply chain processes, tools and systems are understood and adhered to.
- Work with key stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of queries.
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a buyer within a procurement function, ideally in a category‑led team.
- Understanding of category management and procurement processes, with exposure to indirect spend areas such as IT or professional services.
- Strong computer skills – MS Office, spreadsheets.
- Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Experience with electronic purchasing systems (e.g. Oracle) and information‑management tools.
- Ability to adapt communication style to a range of stakeholders.
- Preference for high‑regulatory, compliance‑driven environments.
- Proactive approach, tackling issues before they become problems.
Benefits
- 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off plus 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market‑leading contributory pension scheme – employer contribution 9‑13%.
- Family‑friendly leave: 39 weeks full‑pay maternity leave; 4 weeks full‑pay paternity leave.
- Professional development: funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee assistance and occupational health services.
- Life assurance: 4×annual salary.
- Discounts on everyday spending.
- Special leave policy: paid time off for volunteering, public service and caring.
- Hybrid working available (informal, 2‑3 days on‑site per week).
Diversity & Inclusion
AWE is an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award Employer and values diversity, encouraging applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Assistant Category Specialist in Milton Keynes employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
AWE is an exceptional employer located in Reading, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a unique 9-day working fortnight, generous leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AWE provides a fulfilling environment for the Assistant Category Specialist role, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Specialist in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at AWE or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Assistant Category Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of category management and procurement processes. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to supplier onboarding and contract management to show you're ready to tackle the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Make sure you're comfortable with MS Office, especially Excel, as well as any electronic purchasing systems like Oracle. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AWE.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Specialist in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Category Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills with electronic purchasing systems like Oracle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention your proactive approach and how you’ve tackled issues in the past, showing us you can handle the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong computer skills in action! If you have experience with MS Office, especially Excel, make sure to highlight specific projects or tasks where you used these tools effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at AWE!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of category management and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with indirect spend areas like IT or professional services, as this will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Tech Skills
Since strong computer skills are a must, be prepared to discuss your experience with MS Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Maybe even bring along a few examples of how you've used these tools in past roles to manage data or streamline processes.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Adaptability in communication is key for this role. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively. Prepare examples of how you've resolved queries or tackled issues proactively in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Your Compliance Mindset
Given the high-regulatory environment, it’s important to highlight your experience in compliance-driven settings. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured adherence to processes and systems in your past roles, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving.
