At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category management and supplier relationships to ensure project success.
- Company: AWE, a leader in nuclear science and technology with a vital purpose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join us to make a real impact on national safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong IT skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 37910 - 46000 £ per year.
AWE is an organisation with a unique and vital purpose: protecting the UK through world-class nuclear science and technology. By joining our team as a Category Specialist, you'll help to assist with the implementation and execution of category management, strategic sourcing, contract management and supplier relationship management within assigned categories.
Assist with commercial and contract performance support to the business to allow management of project and commercial risk.
Package: 37,910 to 46,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.
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 a Category Specialist, you will contribute to the development and assist with the implementation of the category strategy. You will prepare and support the execution of RFx processes, support in supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation, business award and contract handover to the business. You will also support supplier relationship management for key suppliers whilst monitoring supplier performance, and assist with external management review meetings.
As part of your role, you will also be involved in, but not limited to:
- Supplier base management, spend and supplier classification, securing competition in the supplier base.
- Delivering to Category targets and KPIs for assigned spend categories.
- Business Intelligence and Benchmarking including market analysis to support category development.
- Identify and track cost reduction initiatives, ensuring contract management and continuity of Supply Chain.
- Ensure competitive initial cost and total cost development in the contract life cycle and maintenance of the specific supplier contract for products and services.
- Assist in the preparation and execution of contracts appropriate to the scope, value and risk.
- Assist in management of commercial risks, forecast spend and change impacts with key AWE stakeholders.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking a Category Specialist with previous experience as a Buyer, working within a procurement function, ideally in a category-led team. Candidates should have an understanding of category management and procurement processes, with exposure to indirect spend areas such as IT or professional services.
You will be familiar with supporting buying activities such as the preparation of tenders and supplier negotiation. You must have strong IT skills, in particular MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:
- Experience of working within a Commercial Environment.
- Team player and the ability to work independently.
- Good stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Advanced user of electronic purchasing systems (e.g. Oracle and information management tools).
- Preference for working in a highly regulated, compliance-driven environment.
- Understanding of Category lifecycle including Public Procurement regulations.
- Proactive approach, tackles issues before they become problems.
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 2-3 days onsite per week.
Category Specialist - Reading in Henley on Thames employer: What Jobs
AWE is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's safety through world-class nuclear science and technology. With a strong focus on employee well-being, AWE provides a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave policies, and a market-leading pension scheme, all within a collaborative and supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist - Reading in Henley on Thames
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like What Jobs.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist - Reading in Henley on Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to What Jobs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to What Jobs. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like What Jobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at What Jobs!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at What Jobs. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into What Jobs's culture.
