Commercial Lead

On behalf of the CPS, we are looking for a Commercial Lead (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract based London, York, Swansea, Cardiff or Bristol 2 days week onsite with occasional travel to other locations as required.

The CPS prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent , and they make their decisions independently of the police and government.

Their duty is to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible.

The CPS are passionate about ensuring that they are a top-performing organisation and a great place to work. They are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and creating a culture where everyone can bring their whole self to work, and individuality is truly appreciated. Find Your Purpose - Join the CPS and have a future that matters.

We are seeking two experienced Commercial Leads to join the Commercial Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in delivering strategic sourcing and procurement activity across critical business systems and complex commercial programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence high-value, high-profile commercial decisions , working closely with senior stakeholders to drive value for money, commercial innovation and improved outcomes. You will lead complex sourcing strategies, embed government commercial best practice and provide expert advice on procurement, commercial risk, market engagement and supplier management .

The successful candidates will bring strong commercial expertise , strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while delivering quality outcomes at pace

As a Commercial Lead , your main responsibilities will be:

- Lead strategic sourcing activities for complex and business-critical requirements, ensuring effective governance, risk management and value for money.
- Develop and implement commercial strategies, contributing to business cases, investment proposals and wider commercial planning activities.
- Provide expert advice on delivery models, routes to market, supplier selection, pricing models, benefits realisation and commercial risk allocation.
- Utilise market intelligence, supplier insight and government sourcing guidance to inform commercial decision -making and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable commercial outcomes and manage commercial risks effectively.
- Act as a subject matter expert on strategic sourcing, Digital, Data and Technology procurement and government sourcing playbook principles .
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, suppliers and cross-functional teams to influence commercial outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate commercial resources while supporting capability development within the wider commercial function.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, commercial governance requirements and public sector best practice.
- Monitor market developments and engage with Crown Commercial Service and industry partners to support strategic procurement activity.

Essential:

- Significant experience leading complex strategic sourcing, procurement and commercial projects within a large or complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of category management , commercial strategy, contract management and supplier negotiations.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders on commercial decision -making, risk management and sourcing approaches.
- Ability to analyse market intelligence, commercial data and financial information to drive evidence-based decisions .
- Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams, developing capability and delivering results through others.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes at pace

Desirable:

- Experience within the public sector, government, regulated environments or organisations operating under public procurement frameworks.
- Knowledge of Cabinet Office Sourcing Playbooks, Digital, Data and Technology procurement guidance and commercial governance requirements.
- Experience developing business cases, benefits realisation plans and commercial transformation initiatives .
- Professional commercial or procurement qualifications such as MCIPS, or equivalent commercial accreditation.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the CPS guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

The CPS guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".