Assistant Category Specialist

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 an Assistant Category Specialist, you'll help provide support to the commercial function across processes, systems, supplier management, governance and reporting.

Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.

Package: From £30,090 (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.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

As the Assistant Category Specialist, you will support the category management team in a varied role that will certainly keep you engaged. This includes, but is not limited to:

Supporting and contributing to procurement and contract management processes and analysis.

Supporting and contributing to reviews of processes and systems.

Managing and maintaining commercial data (e.g. electronic purchasing system, contractual/supplier records) and/or document libraries.

Supporting supplier on-boarding and record management.

Ensuring Supply Chain processes, tools and systems are understood and adhered to.

Working with key stakeholders to ensure the speedy resolution of queries.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an Assistant 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, would be beneficial.

You will need to have strong computer skills, specifically using MS Office and data analysis so you should be comfortable using spreadsheets.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

Proficiency in use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

User of electronic purchasing systems (e.g. Oracle and information management tools).

Able to adapt method of communicating to a range of stakeholders.

Preference for working in a highly regulated, compliance-driven environment.

Proactive approach, tackles issues before they become problems.

We are able to support candidates working towards CIPS membership or looking to start their training, as part of your ongoing development plan.

Work hard, be rewarded:

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.

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