Principal Process & Performance Manager

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.

Help us strengthen AWE's Commercial governance and assurance. AWE is recruiting a Principal Process & Performance Manager to help shape, operate and evolve our Commercial function by developing governance frameworks, policies, and processes aligned with public procurement regulations and best practice frameworks.

This role involves close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency, compliance, and effective communication, while supporting public sector initiatives and identifying opportunities to enhance value for money across the business.

Package : £63,270 to £95,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).

Location : RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Plan to relocate to Green Park (Reading) from January 2026.

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.

Ready to play your part

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part

Responsibilities

As the Principal Process & Performance Manager, you will sit within the Commercial function and focus on governance and assurance at a C2 level. Key responsibilities include :

• Operate the Commercial governance and assurance framework and process library, ensuring policies and procedures are current, easy to access and applied consistently.
• Coordinate Commercial approval forums (e.g., CRB, CAB) : forward schedule, quality assurance of submissions, secretariat, action and decision tracking, and evidence packs.
• Quality‑assure commercial strategies, board papers and business cases for completeness, traceability and value‑for‑money narrative, applying the HM Treasury Green Book and 5‑Case Model, and preparing for IPA-style gateway / assurance reviews.
• Maintain risk, compliance and issue registers for the Supply Chain sub‑function; ensure timely escalation and robust mitigations and controls.
• Lead the production of high‑quality MI / BI on pipeline, policy adoption, risk and performance (KPIs), ensuring data quality and repeatable reporting.
• Support internal and external audits and reviews, collating evidence, responding to findings and closing actions; champion lessons learned and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to Commercial policy updates and change implementation (communications, training materials, user guidance), ensuring alignment with external government policy and AWE standards.
• Support ESG and Social Value integration into sourcing and contract management, assuring measurement and reporting through governance packs.
• Engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external bodies (e.g., MOD and other government partners) to ensure compliance and share leading practice.

Who are we looking for

We're looking for a proactive and articulate individual with strong MS Office skills and the ability to build effective relationships across all levels. The ideal candidate will confidently manage multiple stakeholders and priorities, challenge inappropriate behaviours, and thrive in a process-led environment.

From a commercial / procurement background, you will have business case assurance experience, developing and assuring business cases using structured frameworks such as the HM Treasury 5 Case Model is highly desirable and an understanding of commercial best practice. You should have commercial acumen, understand and apply business knowledge to make sound decisions that benefit the entire organisation and a keen eye for identifying root causes and driving continuous improvement.

We Do Need You To Have The Following

Not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in :

Work Hard, Be Rewarded

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including :

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 3 days onsite per week.

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

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.

Skills Required

Stakeholder Management, Continuous Improvement, Ms Office