At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop and implement category strategies for site services.
- Company: AWE, dedicated to keeping the nation safe with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that drives strategic sourcing and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in category management are essential.
The predicted salary is between 63270 - 90000 £ per year.
AWE is currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Category Manager to create and implement category strategies and provide leadership to a team that focuses on Site Services, ensuring our sites remain operational.
Managing the end to end Category Management process for a number of categories such as Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services, Transport, Logistical Services, Utilities, Waste Management Services, PPE, Off Site Leasing Arrangements and Small Construction Projects.
Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.
Package: £63,270 to £90,000 (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.
As the Principal Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, supporting and executing strategic sourcing activities, and managing supplier relationships. You will report to the Head of Category - Site Services and lead a category team, driving high performance and setting the direction for the categories ensuring strategic sourcing, contract management and commercial contract management are carried out efficiently to meet business objectives.
This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams in AWE and, where applicable, Government stakeholders. You will be accountable for directing and implementing category strategies for site services sub categories as well as executing the sourcing process, including tendering for multi-million-pound contracts, negotiating large complex contracts, supporting and operating frameworks, and building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders to influence strategy endorsement.
As part of your role you will:
- Ensure category strategies, which deliver business objectives, are developed in collaboration with the business and are implemented to deliver benefits (cost reduction) and value to AWE.
- Lead the team to ensure alignment with organisational goals, Category Management objectives, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics.
- Prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of category management initiatives.
- Oversee the delivery of sourcing activities throughout, including sourcing strategies and their execution for high value/complex procurements.
- Drive strategic decision-making through in-depth market and supplier analysis.
- Utilise various forms of contract terms (e.g. NEC, AWE Standard Terms) for the preparation, analysis, negotiation, award and delivery of contracts.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration and innovation, acting as a senior escalation point as required.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Category Managers and influence others at specialism or functional level to create and develop operational plans to achieve Category Management objectives and AWE business priorities.
Who are we looking for? We are seeking a motivated category management professional with strong leadership and management skills, and strong stakeholder management skills. An analytical thinker, with excellent communication abilities, and experience in large, complex organisations, delivering and executing category strategies and strategic sourcing. The ideal candidate will have worked in highly regulated environments, understand the importance of governance and have a keen eye for detail. MCIPS is advantageous, but candidates currently studying or planning to study will also be considered.
Experience we would like: While not a checklist, the following experience is desirable:
- Category management.
- Managing and driving teams to high performance.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex contractual arrangements, framework agreements.
- Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities.
- Preparing tender packages, conducting tender conferences, developing evaluation criteria, analysing and evaluating proposals, negotiating subcontract provisions, subcontractor selection.
- Working within a strategic Procurement Function.
- Delivering change programmes.
- Working in cross-functional teams across multiple programmes.
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 days onsite per week.
Principal Category Manager - Facilities and Services. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
AWE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading where you can make a meaningful impact on national safety. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager - Facilities and Services. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt, the better your chances of landing that Principal Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AWE and their category management strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with complex contracts and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and how you’ve driven teams to success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of AWE’s mission to keep the nation safe.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager - Facilities and Services. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and leadership, and show how your skills align with AWE's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to illustrate how you’ve driven performance and delivered value.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us quickly see how you fit into the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining AWE.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing, like Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services and Waste Management. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent changes in regulations that could impact these areas. This knowledge will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you drove high performance and aligned team goals with organisational objectives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Expect questions around your experience with drafting and negotiating complex contracts. Brush up on your negotiation strategies and be ready to discuss specific instances where you successfully navigated challenging negotiations. Highlight your analytical skills and how they contributed to achieving favourable outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial in this role. Think of examples where you've effectively managed multiple stakeholders and priorities. Be prepared to discuss how you built relationships and influenced strategy endorsement, especially in cross-functional teams. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate and drive results across different departments.
