Job Title: Category Leader

Location: Preston. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience

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.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As FM Category Leader, you will be working across the UK managing the end-to-end procurement process across a range of good and services within Facilities Management, helping to transform how we procure and consume these. This role will provide you with the opportunity to work in a highly visible and varied role, building senior stakeholder networks across the business.

Core duties:

• Providing day-to-day support to sourcing and procurement activities, either through the management of day-to-day routine procurement activities, or by supporting strategic procurement initiatives or projects
• Negotiating on existing and new contracts to ensure best cost / service to the business
• Taking a lead role in the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, from sourcing to contract negotiation / execution and ongoing Supplier Performance and Relationship Management
• Managing and influencing internal stakeholders across the business including suppliers to ensure there is a professional and effective business relationship
• Supporting the business in delivery of key projects as well as leading projects solely
• Analysing current spends and advising on areas of cost savings

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrable track record of Procurement / Commercial acumen
• Multi-site procurement and stakeholder management experience
• Ability to demonstrate innovative thinking and translate complex procurement guidance into simple, straightforward and practical advice
• Experience of working within a complex supply chain environment
• Bachelors degree or CIPS qualification (or equivalent) or willing to work towards
• Proficiency in analysing spend data and negotiation skills

The Facilities Management Team:

The Indirect Procurement Services organisation within our Shared Services business delivers a wide range of services and solutions to our UK lines of business. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team where you will get the opportunity to work closely with the wider business and its external stakeholders. Join a dynamic and rapidly growing team where you will be provided with the unique chance to be involved in a high-profile team where your expertise and ideas will make a tangible difference.

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: 9th April 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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