Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location MOD Corsham (SN13 9ET) as base location, with opportunities for limited hybrid working, to be agreed with Line Manager on appointment. The expectation is that you will work from your base location office around 4 days per week About the job Job summary Due to the nature of the role, this position is open to UK Nationals only We are looking for talented and hard-working individuals with demonstrable commercial experience or transferable skills, to join us in providing a full procurement service for digital technology capability across Defence. Defence Digital is responsible for delivering and integrating new digital capabilities, giving our forces the advantage on the cyber battlefield to combat an ever-evolving threat. In support, Defence Digital Commercial is building a centre of procurement excellence, focusing on getting the best outcomes across all our contracts. We are developing a more strategic approach to supplier relationship management and implementing new ways of working that will embed good practice category management. We are committed to developing our staff, providing opportunities to develop and grow within an inclusive and supportive environment. You will work within a highly capable, diverse team who will support you to develop your professional and personal skills, knowledge, and experience, including a fully funded professional qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Commands transformation programme is committed to following the MODs framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Commands personnel and Trade Unions. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job description This job is for a Senior Executive Officer to join Strategic Services, a sub-category within the Networks Category. The work will provide commercial exposure to some of the most important and non-discretionary services that Defence Digital are responsible for. There is the opportunity to develop skills in both procurement and contract management. The role is varied, and the successful candidate will work with the support of the team to undertake a range of commercial activities including: Take the lead in holding supplier to account by monitoring contractual obligations and commercial risks Own key supplier relationships and be the first point of contact for suppliers on the contracts you are responsible for Scrutinise and execute proposed contract changes Apply the category strategies to ensure value for money, and to identify opportunities to improve performance Help the Project Managers get the commercial outcomes they need Take the lead in managing significant procurements Compile the evidence required for internal Approvals. Welcome Messages from Chris Hamley Head of Networks Category in Defence Digital: The Networks team is at the heart of MODs Digital Strategy for Defence Delivering the Digital Backbone and unleashing the power of Defences data. Strategic Services is a sub-category within the Networks team, providing high profile, critical non-discretionary services of national importance. This new role will help us deliver improvements in contract management and support a number of complex, high profile procurements. The nature of work provides the right candidate the ability for a high degree of autonomy as well as the potential for occasional travel overseas. We offer substantial support and encouragement to gain CIPS qualifications, with a long term career trajectory. If you are looking for a role that will put you at the leading edge of digital technology and information warfare, then why not consider a role in the Networks Commercial team at the heart of modernising Defence. In the digital age we live in, information is power and can be used to help gain strategic advantage in this context, in the support of national security and helping to keep our nation safe. Defence Digital is responsible for making sure that the right information is put in the hands of the right people, at the right time, to make effective decisions by the military and business front line. It is an exciting time within Defence Digital Commercial and we are seeking procurement professionals to join us to share knowledge and experience. Working collaboratively with multiple key internal stakeholders, you will deliver the Commercial approach to new and exciting projects, driving innovation, value for money and agility through your categories. We are passionate about our people and have a superb track record of development and progression within the team We are an inclusive employer and welcome individuals of diverse characteristics to join the team and feel confident to bring their authentic self to work, whether that be face to face or hybrid Whilst it would be an advantage, prior knowledge and experience of defence is not required but your appetite to make a difference in defence is what we seek If you think this could be you, we would welcome your application to join the team The post advertised is full time equivalent. There may be opportunities for part time candidates if a job share partnership can be established, subject to full time hours being achievable. Offers made to candidates below 37 hours per week (FTE) will be subject to business need and at the Authority's sole discretion. As part of our flexible resourcing approach, reserve candidates may be offered alternative roles within Defence Digital Commercial teams, although key responsibilities will remain the same. Person specification Previous experience of sourcing, delivering, and managing contracts. Experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies. Experience of leading, managing and developing others. Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships. We are looking for a person who: Is a team player and sees the added value that a team contribution to achieving results can bring Demonstrates energy and personal drive to deliver business outputs Responsive, innovative and seeks out opportunities to effect creative change Flexible and adaptable to meeting business priorities, and accepts that these are often subject to change Builds positive and effective relationships that enable both commercial and/or project team goals to be delivered. Willingly contributes commercial advice and judgement in the acquisition process Empowers others Fair, honest and transparent in all personal and professional activities Seeks continuous improvement and builds it into a personal development plan Once in post the successful candidate will be required to apply for DV clearance. Candidates should have CIPS Level 4, or be willing to achieve this by commencing study within one year of appointment. This will be funded and supported by MOD. Qualifications You will be expected to complete the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply CIPS Level 4 qualification once in post if not already achieved. This will be funded by MOD. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Communicating and Influencing Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: People Standards for the Profession - Understanding Sourcing Needs and Options - Associate Commercial Lead People Standards for the Profession - Contract and Supplier Management - Associate Commercial Lead 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. Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97% Hybrid working options including some working from home where appropriate, although we expect the role to require office working on 4 days per week Commercial Market Skills Allowance of £1500 per annum, payable to staff on completion of CIPS Level 4 and mandatory commercial e-learning courses. Fully funded training for professional qualifications with Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), a global membership organisation MOD Corsham has on site parking, staff restaurant, coffee shops, sports facilities including fully equipped 24/7 gym for a fraction of the cost of a commercial gym. Classes run daily by fully trained PT instructors. MOD Corsham is a modern building surrounded by countryside, perfect for lunchtimes walks. 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. Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in both your CV and suitability statement. Please complete the CV section setting out your career history, including key responsibilities and achievements. You must also complete a suitability statement (of no more than 1250 words). This is your opportunity to provide us with additional information that highlights relevant achievements and experience, and the required skills and behaviours listed in this advertisement that make you suitable for the role. Note: you will NOT be able to attach your CV as a separate document. Applicants may use AI when preparing documents, but the content must be factually accurate. At interview stage: You will have the opportunity to provide further detail supporting your application, specifically relating to the Skills (People Standards for the Profession - Associate Commercial Lead) and Behaviours (CS Behaviours - Level 3). 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. During the interview stage, candidates will be assessed against the following behaviours and technical skills: Communicating and Influencing Leadership Understanding Needs & Sourcing Options Contract & Supplier Management Candidates invited to interview will be required to deliver a short (5 minute) presentation on the topic: 'What makes a good Leader in the Procurement function?' Interviews are planned using MS Teams for week commencing February 17th 2025 (subject to change) CANDIDATE INFORMATION Please read this document prior to completing your application. Please note: internal candidates must include their staff number when prompted during the application process. Should you have any queries relating to the vacancy information or sift and interview process, please contact the recruiting line manager using the contact details listed on the vacancy. Please do not direct vacancy related queries to the recruitment team as they will be unable to advise. FURTHER INFORMATION CVs Should the selection process require a CV, you will be prompted to complete the required criteria during the application process. CVs sent directly to the recruiting line manager will be deleted immediately to maintain anonymity. Civil Servants (all grades) Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates. Some of MoDs Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014. Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employees ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. Please see link below to Civil Service Recruitment Principles http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RECRUITMENT-PRINCIPLES-April-2018-FINAL-.pdf Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice Non Civil Servants All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period effective from the employment start date. Cabinet Office Fraud Checks Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment. 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 Open to UK nationals only. 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 the Civil 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 : UKStratComDD-CM-COO-Recruitmentmod.gov.uk Email : UKStratComDD-CM-COO-Recruitmentmod.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. Attachments DD Commercial - candidate pack Jan 2025 Opens in new window (pdf, 4938kB) GCF People Standards for the Profession Version 3.0 Opens in new window (pdf, 490kB) 20240827_DD Commercial SEO TORs Opens in new window (pdf, 163kB) MOD Candidate Pack 2024 Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB) Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail