At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies and manage supplier relationships for essential site services.
- Company: AWE, a key player in national safety with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying work-life balance and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong leadership skills required.
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, support and execute strategic sourcing activities, and manage 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.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in the following:
- 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 - Site Services - Reading employer: What Jobs
AWE is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a unique 9-day working fortnight and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. With a strong focus on leadership development and collaboration, AWE provides opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic environment dedicated to national safety, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave policies and a market-leading pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager - Site Services - Reading
✨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 you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AWE and understanding their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in category management and strategic sourcing. We want to see your passion for keeping the nation safe!
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining AWE and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager - Site Services - Reading
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 results in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, especially in areas like cost reduction and supplier relationship management.
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 position and 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
As a Principal Category Manager, you'll be expected to have a deep understanding of various categories like Facilities Management and Utilities. Research these areas thoroughly and be ready to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your coaching and development strategies, and how you’ve driven high performance in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Since you'll be negotiating large contracts, brush up on your negotiation techniques. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated complex agreements and how you approached those situations.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Expertise
You'll need to manage multiple stakeholders effectively. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to build relationships and influence decision-making across different levels of an organisation, especially in regulated environments.
