Sourcing Event Senior Buyer

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in a highly regulated environment? AWE is looking for a Sourcing Event Senior Buyer to join our Sourcing Event Management Team (SEMT). This is an exciting opportunity to lead complex and high-profile Source-to-Contract activities, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations while delivering maximum value and mitigating risk.

Please note, this is a 15-month fixed term contract.

Package: From £47,760 (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 (There is an opportunity to take advantage of Hybrid working which is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis).

Let us introduce the role

As a Sourcing Event Senior Buyer, your role will be to work closely with the category management teams, uploading and processing sourcing event details into JAGGAER and administrating all on system activities through the full sourcing lifecycle. From government gate approval, strategy and tender readiness, to issuing tenders, gate approval for award, contract signing and mobilisation.

As well as working closely with the Category Management teams you will also have the opportunity to work closely with the SEMT Lead, helping to monitor system performance and identify and implement system & process improvement opportunities.

You will be the first point of contact (POC) for escalations in the sourcing event team and given opportunities to be involved in future training on process, systems and workflows within AWE, and will be supported so you can understand what is changing, what measures to put in place and how to be prepared to support the team. You will be accountable for:

• Supporting the SEMT lead in oversight of all Projects, developing and reporting on SEMT performance requirements, and providing cover for SEMT lead where required.

• Taking ownership of end-to-end Source-to-Contract activities for complex procurements assigned to you.

• Managing tender processes and governance using procurement systems such as Jaggaer.

• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and SEMT colleagues to ensure timely delivery.

• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and championing best practice.

• Providing training and mentoring to team members and covering SEMT Manager duties when required.

• Acting as the first point of contact for assigned category towers and escalations.

Who are we looking for?

We are ideally seeking individuals with strong procurement expertise, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, process-driven environment. You should be proactive, detail-oriented, and confident in communicating complex issues clearly.

Experience of using online sourcing software (i.e. JAGGAER, Oracle, Ariba or similar) would be beneficial but not essential as full training will be provided. Proactive approach to problem solving, tackling issues before they become problems.

Knowledge of contractual arrangements and public procurement regulations, and experience with contract amendments and category management are desirable.

We do need you to have the following:

• Good general standard of education, including Maths and English, or equivalent experience.

• CIPS qualification or willingness to study towards the qualification.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, it would be advantageous for you to have experience in some of the following:

• MS Office skills including Excel and Word.

• Experience using electronic purchasing systems (e.g., Jaggaer, Oracle, Ariba).

• Proven track record in Source-to-Contract activities for complex procurements.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Ability to analyse data and manage tender documentation.

• Experience working in a highly regulated environment.

• Ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver objectives on time.

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.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2 days onsite per week.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• 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 and 10 years for DV. 
• 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.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.