About the job Job summary We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join this fast paced and constantly evolving professional environment and form the core of the Armys commercial professionals. This is a fascinating, challenging role in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Commercial Function, with a direct impact on procuring and purchasing the key items to enable the British military to conduct its various operational functions. The Army Commercial Team is responsible for working closely with the British Army within their fast-paced Military Headquarters to deliver innovative solutions to Defence requirements. We play a vital role in supporting Defence by contracting a diverse portfolio of requirements ranging in value and complexity from long term commitments in specialist capability areas to low value short term support contracts and sales contracts generating income and supporting wider Defence engagement priorities. The Army Commercial wider Team comprises of around 106 qualified Commercial Officers ranging in grades who place around 200 contracts a year for around 240M worth of activity and manage 5bn worth of contracts. At Army Commercial you will work within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills, knowledge and experience, we employ dedicated people who challenge and operate outstanding practices. Our commercial professional positions provide an excellent opportunity for candidates with a background in procurement and buying, to develop their skills across the end-to-end procurement process and develop a career as a commercial professional. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a high-profile programme and procurement actions spanning all stages of the procurement lifecycle for diverse requirements in support of the British Army. As part of your role you may also be expected to attend other locations, and travel expenses will be reimbursed for these journeys, but when attending your primary duty station, no travel expenses will be reimbursed. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job description The Complex Procurement (CP) Officer will be responsible for the procurement of their nominated requirements as allocated to them, ensuring the requirements are actively managed from definition to contract award. This includes defining the requirement and route to market, ensuring all approvals are in place, advertising, evaluating, and awarding the contract in collaboration with the Army customer and building and maintaining good working relationships with the customer team, the supplier, and other key stakeholders and ensuring the contract is managed once live or effectively handed over to the major contract management team. The post holder will build and maintain their effectiveness by ensuring that they keep up to date with procurement, broader commercial and HR policy developments that affect them or their team. This will ensure they keep up to date with the tools and systems used to support procurements and payments including the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) and the Contract, Purchasing and Finance (CP&F) tool. The role offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to develop or enhance a professional career in the commercial function within the context of the Army and the MOD. This role will include line management responsibilities and will require you to train and coach commercial and non-commercial staff. Key areas of responsibility include: Management Management of HEO grade Commercial staff, taking a direct interest in their performance and encouraging development, innovation and continuous improvement. Ensure the correct standards of professionalism, conduct and performance are maintained (in accordance with relevant Behaviours / Functional competence) by all Commercial staff Ensure all data required for planning and reporting is up-to-date and that the team fully understand the importance of accurate MI and the impact that this has on business decisions Ensure commercial activity is conducted in accordance with current Procurement Regulations and Government procurement policy Ensure up to date knowledge management on all new commercial policy and directive changes. Liaise with other peer groups and commercial colleagues within and Pan MOD to ensure best commercial practice has been adopted in developing strategies Improve commercial awareness throughout the Army customer base and promote the Commercial team. Procure and Manage Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships within all areas within the Army, specifically Army Headquarters, ensuring requirements are placed on contract in a timely and effective manner, meeting both Army Commercial and Customer needs The preparation, drafting, approval, issue, evaluation and award documentation (within Commercial Licence delegation) of all contracts within the teams remit Implementation of procurement strategies, creating taut contract terms both financially and commercially, chairing Tender Evaluation Boards and taking the lead in negotiations with commercial firms within delegated authority Make full use of the MOD systems for contract drafting and procurement activities Ensure all contracts and amendments are placed and payments made MOD payment tool and ensuring that Government Transparency policy is implemented through use of the Find a Tender service where appropriate The management of all contracts within the teams remit Examine, negotiate and authorise non-competitive contract amendments within delegated authority Provide a reactive and resourceful response to emerging commercial issues and risks, often delivering crisis management/problem solving when required to the local team, commercial senior management, and the Army customer Person specification We are seeking a self-motivated individual to join this fast paced and constantly evolving professional environment and form the core of the Armys commercial professionals. This is a fascinating, challenging role in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Commercial Function, with a direct impact on procuring and purchasing the key items to enable the British military to conduct its various operational functions. Essential Skills / Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience working in a Commercial Procure role Must hold CIPS Level 4 Must already hold or be willing to obtain a MOD Practitioner Commercial Licence within 6 months in post Effective communication and relationship skills Ability to positively influence stakeholders, peers, and senior colleagues An innovative thinker who is willing to challenge process and consider and propose ideas that may change the status quo Desirable A strong understanding of procurement processes and managing complex requirements Experience of leading and managing a Team Experience of working within a commercial role for a minimum of 4 years Qualifications CIPS Level 4 Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Working Together Changing and Improving Communicating and Influencing Leadership Making Effective Decisions We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: You will be assessed against Section 2- Sourcing, part 3, Executing the Sourcing Strategy through a technical based questions at interview. Benefits Alongside your salary of 44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes 12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. As a civil servant working alongside the Army, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects and a job that makes a difference. The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. This vacancy is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Other benefits for Army civil servants include: An environment with flexible working options Flexible Working Hours upon completion of 6 months service A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% Professional and Personal Development on skills 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service 8 Paid Public Holidays per year 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities Enhanced parental and adoption leave Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle Free car parking; a Sports & Social Club, Gym and site shops. 1,500 pa Commercial Market Skills Allowance (MSA); individuals are eligible once essential criteria for this allowance is met. The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility. Learning and Development We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. At application candidates will be required to complete a CV template including job history, full qualification details and any previous Commercial Experience & Skills. You will also be asked to provide a personal statement of no more than 1000 words demonstrating your suitability for the role against the person specification and job description and evidence of the the following: Evidence of working collaboratively as part of a team and building strong working relationships with colleagues, including those at a level more senior to them Evidence of managing relationships with customers, including where the relationship needed to be developed or improved Evidence of working in a demanding role where delivering at pace and managing stakeholder expectations is a key part of the role Evidence of working within the commercial regulations to solve complex commercial issues while considering risks, in order to deliver an effective outcome Evidence of commercial technical knowledge and skills transfer, developing commercial and non-commercial staff You will also be tested against the following behaviour - Working Together When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected. At interview you will be tested against the following behaviours - Changing and Improving Communicating and Influencing Leadership Making Effective Decisions You will also be tested on your technical knowledge against the Commercial Skills and Competency Framework -modgovuk.sharepoint.com/sites/IntranetCivilianHRPeoplePortal/Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id%2Fsites%2FIntranetCivilianHRPeoplePortal%2FDocuments%2FCommercial_Skills_and_Competency_Framework%2Epdf&parent%2Fsites%2FIntranetCivilianHRPeoplePortal%2FDocuments You will be assessed against Section 2- Sourcing, part 3, Executing the Sourcing Strategy through a technical based questions at interview. The competency level for this role is: Commercial Practitioner. Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed but these will be held in person at Army Headquarters Andover. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Emily Geany Email : Emily.Geany100mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: infocsc.gov.uk.