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 in Winnersh employer: What Jobs
AWE is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a unique 9-day working fortnight and generous benefits such as a market-leading pension scheme and extensive leave policies. Located in Reading, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in our mission to keep the nation safe while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager - Site Services - Reading in Winnersh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in category management and strategic sourcing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager - Site Services - Reading in Winnersh
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 cost reductions or improved supplier relationships.
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 seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 the categories you'll manage. Brush up on your knowledge of Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services, Transport, and Waste Management Services. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement strategies for these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. 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.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
You'll need to manage multiple stakeholders effectively. Think about times when you've navigated complex stakeholder relationships and how you influenced strategy endorsement. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your communication and negotiation skills.
✨Understand the Importance of Governance
Given the regulated environment of AWE, it's essential to convey your understanding of governance in category management. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles.
