AWE is currently recruiting for a Category Specialist to assist with the implementation and execution of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management and Supplier Relationship Management within assigned categories. Location: Reading, initially Winnersh but with planned move to Green Park in Summer 2025. Some travel to Aldermaston and Burghfield sites. Free onsite parking. Package: £36,000 to £46,000 (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. Let us introduce the role As a Category Specialist, you will support buying activities and strategy, including putting tenders together and supplier negotiation. You will be running tenders up to 10 million pounds in value for Capital Projects, including construction, infrastructure, and utilities categories. The ultimate objective is leveraging and securing AWE supplier base to support its current and future business requirements, whilst mitigating risks. Assist with Commercial and Contract Performance support to the business to allow management of project and commercial risk. This includes, but is not limited to: Contribute to the development and assist with the implementation of a Category Strategy for assigned spend categories, Prepare and support with the execution of strategic sourcing activities, including the execution of the RFx process, supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation, business award and contract handover to the business, Prepare and support contractual and commercial management and effective contract administration, Prepare input and support the execution of Supplier Relationship Management and support the monitoring of supplier performance. Who are we looking for? We are seeking a Category Specialist with previous experience working within a procurement function, ideally in a category led team. With an understanding of category management and procurement processes. Ideally you will have experience at a similar level within a comparable organisation or industry. Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex contractual arrangements. Strategic category management. Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities. Pricing arrangements. Preparing tender packages, conducting tender competitions, developing evaluation criteria, analysing and evaluating proposals, negotiating subcontract provisions, subcontractor selection. We would love to hear from individuals with the following: Proficiency with MS Office products especially Excel Strong negotiator/influencer Knowledge and application of complex contractual arrangements Knowledge and application of supplier management strategies Able to translate and analyse financial information Risk and opportunity management Proactive approach, tackles issues before they become problems Strong team player Proven record of delivering business objectives on time, in full and within budget Candidates working towards CIPS membership or willing to start training, as part of your ongoing development plan, is preferred. Some reasons we think you'll love it here: AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include: 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. The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'. Important things you need to know: You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2 days onsite per week. LI-RS LI-Hybrid