Category Lead (Procurement)

Job Title: Category Lead (Procurement)

Job Location: Preston or Frimley. Willing and able to Travel to other BAE sites & stakeholder sites UK wide circa monthly . We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £53,000

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

Role Description:

As a subject matter expert within the category, you will represent Indirect Procurement Services across multiple business units, providing commercial guidance and supporting the development and implementation of sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to work across the breadth of Indirect Procurement, collaborating with a wide range of category teams and sectors.

Core Duties:

• Lead sourcing activities for consultancy, systems integration, managed services, professional services and other technology-related requirements
• Negotiate and deliver commercial agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs) and other contractual arrangements to meet business requirements
• Manage contracts throughout the lifecycle, ensuring value delivery, compliance and effective risk management
• Support the effective application of IR35 and contingent labour compliance requirements, working with stakeholders and suppliers to ensure appropriate SOW’s are utilised
• Engage cross-functional and cross-business stakeholders to understand demand, support technology roadmaps and shape sourcing strategies
• Analyse spend, supplier performance and market trends to identify opportunities for value creation and continuous improvement
• Provide commercial guidance and support in the resolution of complex supplier, contractual and category-related issues

Essential Skills:

• Stakeholder management and influencing skills across a broad range of business functions
• Experience working within procurement, category management or sourcing roles covering technology professional services, consultancy, managed services or related categories
• Experience negotiating commercial agreements, contracts and Statements of Work
• Demonstrable experience managing supplier relationships and strategic suppliers
• Experience within the technology services market is desirable and complex IT projects
• MCIPS qualified or willing working towards professional accreditation

The Indirect Procurement Services team:

As a Technology Professional Services Category Lead, you will play a key role in managing the procurement lifecycle and category management activities across a diverse portfolio of technology professional services. Working closely with business, IT, Digital and functional stakeholders, you will support the development and execution of category strategies, sourcing activities and supplier management initiatives that deliver value, innovation and strong commercial outcomes.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 24th September 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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