BAE Systems
Category Lead
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Title: Category Lead
Location: Portsmouth Naval Base. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary: Up to £60,000 depending on skills and 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:
You will implement contracts and contract amendments for subcontracted services and enabling agreements to provide business risk assurance and value for money commitments. You will also contribute to the development of the warship support supply chain function to harness opportunities for operations delivery, the function and BAE wide strategic initiatives.
Core Duties:
- Work closely with the Ship Repair Procurement team (internal Customer) and the Wider business Stakeholder to ensure contracted terms and value for money solutions are delivered and providing the best solutions for the business, that combines least cost, risk, with highest quality schedule compliance.
- To select appropriate make/buy and implement category/supplier solutions developed within Category team to ensure agility and robust deployment through Procurement teams.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with all key stakeholders, including customer and suppliers, maintaining regular communication and managing expectations alongside delivery of plans to meet schedule, cost and quality requirements.
- Lead effective communications and employee/supplier engagement; to foster a culture of openness, feedback, two-way dialogue and honesty to ensure procurement teams/suppliers are aware and engaged in their delivery contribution. Ensure learning, knowledge and experience are shared to promote an integrated team approach and enable a more effective and efficient operation. Supplier/Customer Relationship Management being the key focus.
- Continuously monitor Internal resource requirements with Operational Supply Chain Manager and Strategic Relationship and Risk Manager to remove non-value add activities and create resource efficiency when possible and to provide Key growth or Dual source capability to the Ship Repair Supply Chain Manager.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Skills:
- You will have excellent and broad Supply Chain knowledge and a breadth of business knowledge and expertise, including good business, market and competitor knowledge as well as depth of vision and creativity and an ability to contribute to the development of Supply Chain strategies to support business objectives.
- You will have Supply Chain or Engineering process and performance knowledge to develop the function using enabling technologies to exceed or meet the business objectives.
- You will have aftermarket or repair understanding at an operational level.
- You will have achieved MCIPS or an Engineering/Commercial qualification.
The Strategic Relations & Risk Management team:
Working in a small team of supply chain executives who are the focal point for implementing key Supplier initiatives in operational delivery through new capability requirements, dual sourcing or portfolio expansion in SME’s, OEM’s or Global Suppliers in both Material and Subcontracted Service provision to the MOD.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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: 30th 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.
#LI-RB1
#LI-Hybrid
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London