Senior Commercial Officer

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Commercial Officer - (Inside IR35) for a 12-month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of 2 days attendance in the Exeter, Bristol, Worthing and Reading offices

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives . These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

- To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
- To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
- To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk .

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk .

About Defra

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy.

Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

As a Senior Category Officer, you will report to a Category Manager (G7 grade) assigned to a commercial category within Defra Group Commercial (DgC

As a Senior Commercial Officer - (Inside IR35), your main responsibilities will be:

Commercial Delivery

- Providing support and leadership in the commercial delivery of medium to high-value and risk projects, procurements, grants and contract/supplier management within a market-facing category team throughout the entire commercial life cycle.
- Developing initial procurement or grant strategies and contributing to business plans.
- Planning and managing market engagement exercises.
- Collaborating with customers to prepare pre-tender and tender documents.
- Conducting tenders in compliance with Public Contracts Regulations and managing evaluations.
- Formulating recommendations for tender outcomes (Contract Award Reports) for approval via Governance Boards.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to prepare contract or grant management documentation.

Supplier and Contract Management

- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers to ensure exceptional performance in cost, service, and quality.
- Providing day-to-day advice and recommendations on commercial risks and issues, considering risk, commercial opportunities, and maximizing value for money and savings.
- Overseeing the delivery of contracts or grants to identify and manage sustainable impacts and opportunities throughout the commercial lifecycle.
- Awarding and monitoring medium-value, medium-to-high-risk contracts or grants in accordance with Defra's commercial policies and procedures to ensure propriety and value for money across the commercial life cycle.

Leadership and Team Support

- Providing strategic support to the team by promoting commercial policies and procedures, influencing final outcomes, and offering expert advice on commercial issues and governance.
- Engaging with colleagues nationwide to build a strong commercial network internally and through the wider Defra network and Government Bodies.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement

- Working with customers to deliver value effectively and innovatively to meet organisational outcomes and objectives while fulfilling key corporate targets.

What qualities are we seeking in the successful candidate ?

We are looking for candidates who are actively building their commercial experience and possess the ability to challenge and influence across complex and diverse customer landscapes

You should:

- Enjoy developing innovative solutions to challenges .
- Excel in building networks, recognizing strong relationships as a crucial aspect of your expertise .
- Find satisfaction in delivering high-quality professional services with measurable outcomes.
- Derive fulfilment from fostering a positive team spirit and supporting your team to deliver expert outcomes that are valued by customers.

In your previous roles, we anticipate that you have:

- Led and supported the delivery of a range of procurements, and ideally managed contracts or suppliers to achieve successful outcomes.
- Cultivated positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers, effectively influencing and challenging to achieve optimal commercial results.
- Demonstrated a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks, adhering to agreed policies and processes, and actively promoting these standards in your work.
- Implemented initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, drive business change, and improve ways of working.
- Used your commercial acumen to deliver commercial benefits, efficiencies and savings.
- Proactively identified risks and issues, developing and executing plans to mitigate them.
- Participated in and potentially chaired meetings to facilitate decision -making, including setting agendas, leading discussions, and documenting actions and decisions .
- Presented well-founded conclusions and recommendations supported by analysed information, including financial data.
- Provided support and training to colleagues, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective and efficient work delivery.
- Utilized IT systems and applications proficiently to carry out tasks effectively.
- Invested in your own professional development, which may have involved staying abreast of legislation changes, best practices, or enhancing industry knowledge.

Essential

- Hand on Commercial experience
- NEC4 knowledge and experience
- Stakeholder engagement experience
- Experience of Procurement process within Public Sector

Desirable:

- Experience of working within Infrastructure / Civil Engineering / Construction
- CIPS
- Experience of Atamis

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

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Defra welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the 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".