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.
Role and responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing category strategies, supporting and executing strategic sourcing activities, and managing supplier relationships.
- Reporting to the Head of Category - Site Services and leading 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.
- Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in AWE and, where applicable, Government stakeholders.
- 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:
- 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.
Work and rewards:
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 - Site Services. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
AWE is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a unique 9-day working fortnight and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. With a strong commitment to safety and community, employees benefit from a market-leading pension scheme, generous leave policies, and opportunities for career development, all within a collaborative and innovative work culture in Reading.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager - Site 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 for a Principal Category Manager role, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AWE and their category management strategies. Understand their site services needs and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Principal Category Manager, you’ll need to negotiate complex contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Principal Category Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager - Site 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 examples of how you've driven high performance in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on cost reduction and value delivery.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear 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 submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the categories you'll be managing, like Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services and Utilities. Research current trends and challenges in these areas so you can discuss them confidently during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in driving teams to high performance. Think about specific situations where you influenced others or led a successful project, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be negotiating large contracts, brush up on your negotiation skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex contractual arrangements and how you've successfully navigated negotiations in the past.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple stakeholders by preparing examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced strategy endorsement among senior stakeholders.
