Are you passionate about delivering value for money to customers? Have you got experience of working in a fast paced, dynamic delivery environment?
If so, we’d like to hear from you!
Defra Group Commercial wish to appoint a Category Officer within the Technology – Geospatial, Data, and Digital Business Services area to support and lead Commercial delivery of low, medium and high value and risk projects (typically £10k to £50m), procurements with some potential for future contract/ supplier management within a market facing category team across the full commercial life cycle.
As a Category Officer, you will report in the interim to a Commercial Manager (Grade 7). You will work with customers from Defra and its Arm’s Length Bodies to ensure value for money for the taxpayer while assisting delivery of Defra’s objectives and corporate targets. You will award contracts in accordance with Defra's commercial policies and procedures.
The roles will provide strategic support to ensure our commercial models help DEFRA build and maintain its technological infrastructure in the most cost-effective way. You will provide expert advice to the business on commercial issues, governance and operational support to the team. You will engage with colleagues across the country, building their commercial network both internally and through the wider Defra network and Government Bodies.
You will work with our internal and external stakeholders to ensure that Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, working towards DEFRA’s missions regarding environmental stewardship and protection.
The Technology Category Team are ensuring Defra transform the way in which it delivers its IT services, making it simpler, faster, and more sustainable. Working in Technology the team offers an opportunity to make a real difference in a category that is challenging, varied and high profile. The Technology category sources all Defra’s IT requirements from User Devices and Digital applications to Connectivity, Data Geospatial and Cybersecurity. The team is market facing and agile which enables us to respond to emerging technologies and engage flexibly with customers, aligning and consolidating the IT goods and services that we buy for the Defra Group.
What will your responsibilities entail?
Working collaboratively within a Technology Commercial Category Team.
Supporting and sometimes leading on the effective delivery of low to high-value projects, procurements, and contract/supplier management within a market-facing category team.
Developing commercial strategies aligned to Category Plan, contributing to success of the business. Planning and managing all market engagement for relevant sub-category. Supporting key customers to prepare all commercial documentation and conduct Procurements in compliance with Public Contracts Regulations (and the incoming Procurement Act) managing all aspects of commercial lifecycle.
Preparing recommendations for approval via Governance Boards Prepare contract management documentation in collaboration with stakeholders.
When appropriate, building and sustaining effective relationships with suppliers to deliver 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.
Being responsible for the delivery of IT contracts ensuring that sustainable impacts and opportunities are identified and managed throughout the commercial lifecycle.
Collaborating with customers to deliver value effectively and innovatively so that the customer organisation outcomes and objectives and key corporate targets are met.
Helping to manage the Category Pipeline in accordance with Defra's commercial policies and procedures to ensure propriety and value for money across the commercial lifecycle.
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.
Utilising IT systems and applications proficiently to conduct tasks effectively.
Investing in your own professional development, which may have involved staying abreast of legislation changes, best practices, or enhancing industry knowledge.
Participating in and potentially chairing meetings to facilitate decision-making, including setting agendas, leading discussions, and documenting actions and decisions.
Cultivating positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers, effectively influencing and challenging to achieve optimal commercial results.
Some roles may include line management responsibilities for Commercial Officers, including setting objectives, managing performance, and supporting learning and development.
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