Category Lead (Procurement)-00138093
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 requirementsNegotiate and deliver commercial agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs) and other contractual arrangements to meet business requirementsManage contracts throughout the lifecycle, ensuring value delivery, compliance and effective risk managementSupport the effective application of IR35 and contingent labour compliance requirements, working with stakeholders and suppliers to ensure appropriate SOW’s are utilisedEngage cross-functional and cross-business stakeholders to understand demand, support technology roadmaps and shape sourcing strategiesAnalyse spend, supplier performance and market trends to identify opportunities for value creation and continuous improvementProvide commercial guidance and support in the resolution of complex supplier, contractual and category-related issuesEssential Skills:Stakeholder management and influencing skills across a broad range of business functionsExperience working within procurement, category management or sourcing roles covering technology professional services, consultancy, managed services or related categoriesExperience negotiating commercial agreements, contracts and Statements of WorkDemonstrable experience managing supplier relationships and strategic suppliersExperience within the technology services market is desirable and complex IT projectsMCIPS qualified or willing working towards professional accreditationThe 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 2026We 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.#LI-SH1#LI-Hybrid
Supply Chain
GB-ENG-LAN-Preston
24/Sep/26, 10:59:00 PM
At BAE Systems, we help our customers to stay a step ahead when protecting people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of 107,000 people in more than 40 countries.
From state of the art cyber threat detection to flight control systems that enable pilots to make better decisions, we never stop innovating to ensure that our customers maintain their advantage. This is a long-term commitment involving significant investments in skills. We also work closely with local partners to support economic development through the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.
