Job summary
* Are you an experienced professional with an accredited qualification in procurement, contract management or commercial processes?
* Can you thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing and prioritising a stream of short and long-term projects without compromising on quality and outputs?
* Do you aspire to lead and guide your peers, to ensure that effective, impartial and ethical decisions are made together?
* Is it important you achieve a work-life balance, while being a valued member of the team and key player to the VCA’s mission and objectives?
If you are a driven individual, knowledgeable and passionate about contract law, procurement processes and delivering competitive tenders; you could join our team as Commercial Lead. Situated in the VCA’s Finance and Resources Department, this role is fundamental to our ongoing mission and objectives, ensuring our organisational values are the forefront of everything we do.
About Us
Our work is focused on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to national and internationally recognised standards. We are a part of the Department of Transport as the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority. With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around.
Job description
In the role of Commercial Lead, you will be responsible for assuring all contracts and procurement carried out by the Agency are done so in-line with current regulations and laws that govern these. Your expertise will guide the Agency in making informed decisions that embody the organisation’s values, considering the associated risks and impact, internal and external to the VCA. Accuracy and precision in your work, and the ability to manage conflicting tasks and deadlines, without compromising on quality, is essential for working in a fast-paced environment where you will be involved in a variety of projects at one time.
As the interface between our suppliers, colleagues and stakeholders, you will be approachable and exhibit effective communication methods, in-person and in writing, to maintain positive relationships. Negotiating and influencing, to get the best outcomes, will be a core aspect of this role with an expectation that you remain impartial and transparent in your approach. You will be focused on attaining outcomes that deliver value for money and maintaining records that demonstrate this.
You will play a fundamental role in saving the Agency money and will contribute to the imperative impact we have on our society. While you will already be extensively capable in your remit, the VCA are committed to ensuring all staff have the latest knowledge, information and training to conduct their role by offering continued learning and development opportunities, including qualifications and first-hand experience from world-leading experts. Actively, you will seek chances to enhance your skills and understand the Agency’s operational requirements. You will also work closely with the Finance Team to set shared goals, supporting each other to achieve your best.
Working in a welcoming office, with the option for hybrid and flexible working, you will be given access to technology and equipment to integrate you into the wider Agency. On joining the team, you will have immediate access to a range of resource and support for your professional and personal use.
Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:
* Maintaining a detailed awareness of the VCA’s operational plans, relevant operational policy area, procurement and contract management legislation and policy, and team objectives.
* Co-ordinating and contribute to expert contractual advice to ensure that contracts to continue to reflect the needs of policy and delivery.
* Providing consistent and clear commercial advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders and being a key point of contact to the business for the Commercial Group.
* Management of reputational and regulatory risk in relation to contract delivery.
* Act as the principal contact for external suppliers and manage the commercial and contractual relationship for a defined portfolio of contracts.
Person specification
To be successful as the Commercial Lead, you will have:
* A relevant and accredited commercial, contract management or procurement related qualification.
* Detailed knowledge of commercial process and approaches – initially this can come from either a procurement or contract management background.
* Significant leadership, communication, influencing and negotiating skills.
* An advanced understanding of contract management principles and relevant legislation.
* In depth knowledge and demonstrable experience of negotiating with suppliers, customer engagement techniques and performance management of suppliers.
* Commercial acumen, and the ability to positively influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
* A user of good quality data to drive effective decision making.
* Focus on achieving commercial outcomes and delivering value for money.
* Working in a fast-paced environment: identifying opportunities and reprioritising actions based on customer demands, criticality and interdependencies.
Qualifications
CIPS/MCIPs or relevant commercial qualification/experience
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Making Effective Decisions
* Leadership
* Developing Self and Others
* Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £56,188, Vehicle Certification Agency contributes £16,277 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Your wellbeing is important to us, which is why we’re pleased to offer a wide range of benefits to all our colleagues, inside and outside of work.
How to Apply
To apply you should provide a CV and personal statement. We will assess the following Experience Indicators from your CV & personal statement so you should tailor both to clearly explain how you meet them.
* Experience of working in a procurement function, and within that, developing procurement policies and process.
* Experience of where you have adhered to the UK Public Contracts Regulations.
* Experience of working with stakeholders to translate business requirements into commercial outcomes.
Your personal statement should be a maximum of 1000 words and we recommend a minimum of 250 words for each of the bullet points above.
Selection Process
Our 2-stage selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
Stage 1: Initial Experience-Based Sift
In this stage, we carefully review all applicants CV & Personal statement to shortlist candidates who meet the experience indicators (listed below) and possess the necessary qualifications.
Stage 2: In-person Interview
The final stage involves an in-person interview, where selected candidates will be invited to visit one of our premises.
Merit List
Please note that candidates placed on the merit list will be considered for suitable positions as they arise. Being on the merit list may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role of Commercial Lead.
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