Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Assignment Location: Bristol or Corsham SN13 9NR About the job Job summary The nature of modern warfare is changing, with access to and exploitation of information becoming a vital way of securing military advantage (National Audit Office). The Digital Strategy for 2021-2024 addresses this in three key elements, including the need to collect and use data appropriately to harness strategic advantage, further transform digital capabilities to enable military and business advantage, and to deliver this across all of defence both securely and at pace. The Defence Digital organisation is responsible for making sure that effective digital and information technology (D&IT) is put into the hands of the military and business front line. Defence Digital Commercial is the core team responsible for delivering outstanding value for Defence across its exploitation of digital and information technologies, through our oversight and management of all third- party IT spend for Defence. We are responsible for a large portfolio of complex contracts worth £2bn a year, through more that 300 suppliers. We have implemented Category Management and operate across five categories Networks, Hardware and Services, Military Technology, Software and Cloud Service and Professional Services engaging with suppliers of all sizes and specialisms across the defence landscape. Our Strategic Supplier Management programme is enabling us to build a more strategic approach to supplier relationship management and to build capability and embed new ways of working. It is an exceptionally exciting time within Defence Digital Commercial and we are seeking procurement experts 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 and agility through the successful adoption of Category Management. If the opportunity to work in this critical fast paced environment excites you, we would be delighted to receive your application. We look forward to receiving your application. Job description Defence Digital is made up of five categories, IT Hardware & Services, Military Technology, Software & Cloud, Networks and Professional Services, each individual category team varies in size but in total we are a 180-person strong team. Within these five categories sits Software & Cloud and it is here where the opportunity sits for a Commercial Lead to come into the Mission Information Exploitation (MIX) team. Within MIX our Commercial vision is To collaboratively and incrementally secure sustained capability for Defence at the earliest opportunity and maximum value. The capability Defence Intelligence Commercial successfully provides is critical to the safety of the United Kingdom, its military personnel operating around the globe, and our Allies who rely on the intelligence our Commercial teams help deliver, as illustrated as an example by the front-page headlines British intelligence reveals location of hidden Russian jets used to strike Ukraine. Within MIX Commercial, we successfully deliver this capability through a multitude of extremely challenging leading-edge projects. Some of these really exciting and fantastic opportunities include: Working in full collaboration with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) 28 European States and USA & Canada on the Battlefield Intelligence Collection Exploitation System (BICES) which, as an example, successfully enables the processing and distribution of geospatial information between Allies; Planning, co-ordinating and managing use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) allocation tool. Defence needs to build, share and collaborate on a Recognised Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Picture (REMP). This includes the ability to plan, coordinate and manage the use of the EMS within the business-space, battlespace supporting exercises and operations within the UK and worldwide. The capability will use agreed standards across shared infra at applicable classifications to deliver automated services underpinned by shared access to EMS data and EMS applications; Delivering a single end-to-end capability for the collection, processing and production of authoritative and assured Aeronautical Information; enabling continued collaboration and sharing of Defence and Civilian Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and other Five Eyes partners by adopting common data standards, practices and procedures to deliver a co-production capability; and Providing meteorological and oceanographic (MetOc) data and services that are critical to understand, plan, navigate and target for Defence operations including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD). Using an open, extensible and Defence-owned architecture, integrating with the Digital Backbone, and providing assured access to MetOc data and services, including via machine-to-machine (M2M) interfaces. In support of these operational deliverables, MIX Commercial is also transforming its delivery from stove piped projects to service-orientated programmes which will require a change of commercial approach. Through cost categorisation and market segmentation the Commercial Team utilise procurement strategies and commercial models that foster a technology driven supplier ecosystem whilst exploiting Defence Digital enterprise services. Commercial constructs and artefacts focus on collaboration to embrace modular approaches, iterative agile development, open standards and architectures. Adopting SAFe 6, Commercial are integrating the power of Lean, Agile, and DevOps into a comprehensive operating system that helps Defence Digital thrive in the digital age by delivering innovative products and services faster, more predictably, and with higher quality. Working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across all our commands and Allies, you will directly support the Commercial approach to new and exciting projects; driving innovation, value, and agility through the successful adoption of Category Management. Locations: The successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. When selecting your location listed in this job advert please be aware that this will be your contractual base location with a requirement to spend a minimum of 60% of your working time in this organisational workplace. Your time spent on official duties at workplace locations other than your contractual office such as supplier, customer or partner locations required to perform your role is included in the 60% attendance. This requirement will however take into consideration any reasonable adjustments agreed upon appointment for people with a disability, flexibilities agreed for those with specific caring responsibilities, or other similar temporary flexibilities. Person specification Actively promoting the reputation of the organisation with pride. Displaying passion and enthusiasm for the work, inspiring colleagues and stakeholders to engage with the aims and long-term vision. Working collaboratively with customers and delivery partners to manage, monitor and deliver agreed outcomes; Building trust as a leader through demonstrating credibility. Dedicating time to managing, supporting and empowering people through coaching and mentoring and sharing expertise/knowledge; and Translating priorities into clear outcome-focused objectives for managers and teams. Maintaining focus on priorities and responding quickly to changing requirements. Providing clarity about the action required to achieve results and address unexpected developments. The relevant reporting and transparency pieces must be considered, including managing the relationships with a large number of internal and external stakeholders, including key ones such as the Cabinet Office, Crown Commercial Services and wider Government, Contributing to the wider Software Tower category strategy is also required on an ongoing basis. A key part of this will be maximising and recording an ambitious target of commercial benefits and efficiencies. Whilst this role operates out of Defence Digital, the remit of this portfolio is pan defence and is key to enabling the long term success of the digital warfighter. Engagement across pan-MOD stakeholders will be key to growing and maturing the MIX Category Strategy Engaging with and proactively supporting and promoting the team and wider function is also key, including regular engagement and support to MoD commercial teams and the wider Government Commercial Function. Ensuring cross governmental collaboration where possible. A delegation up to £50m may be associated with this role. Important information for candidates: Successful candidates must either hold MCIPS or be willing to work towards gaining the qualification once in post. SC level clearance is required to take up the post and an expectation to go through DV once in post Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Builds Relationships: Ability to build and maintain relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and manage conflicting priorities. Procurement Process: Can lead, visualise and articulate a commercial deal/negotiation over time from conception to delivery. Applies judgement and manages risks, driving value for money during procurement and evaluation. Contract and Supply Management: Experience of the strategic management of high value & critical contracts/supplier relationships to mitigate risk, maximise performance & deliver continuous improvement. Can lead transition management. Category and Change Management: Experience developing and implementing market facing category strategies; producing and analysing data to inform category strategy and sector management. Can deliver the best value out of contracts. Benefits As a valued employee of the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), you will have access to all the benefits the centre has to offer; including flexible working, generous benefits, Career Coaches, Mentors, L&D, a Commercial College, active talent management and, most importantly, access to commercial projects that will far exceed the scale and complexity on offer elsewhere in the UK. For existing Civil Servants: For full details of the impact on any move across the civil service on your existing terms and conditions, please read the candidate pack. Please note that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to continue to claim childcare vouchers. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills. Please be advised that the Virtual ADC is taking place on the 7th of March 2025 and will require a full day's attendance. If you are invited to attend a virtual ADC, but for any reason are unable to meet the date outlined then please get in touch with the team at commercialresourcinghubcabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible. The ADC is booked and paid for in advance by departments, therefore it is only in certain circumstances we are able to accommodate alternative dates. Details of schemes available are attached in the advert. For full details of our process, and a likely timeline, please read the explanation provided in the attached candidate pack. Throughout our selection process, we will make decisions about your capability to do the job, based on evidence you provide against the essential criteria for the role which are detailed in the attached Candidate Pack. Your application will be reviewed by a panel and should you be successful at sift we will invite you to attend a Virtual commercial Assessment and Development Centre (VADC). The panel will review results of the VADC and determine which candidates will go through to a subsequent final panel interview. IMPORTANT: If you do not receive an acknowledgement of your application within 2 working days please contact: commercialresourcinghubcabinetoffice.gov.uk 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 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. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). 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 : Sean Kelly Email : commercialresourcinghubcabinetoffice.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : commercialresourcinghubcabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should direct this to the Head of Commercial Resourcing Hub at the following email commercialresourcinghubcabinetoffice.gov.uk quoting the vacancy reference number (if applicable) and the details of your complaint. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission via the following web page: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/ Attachments Guaranteed Interview Schemes (GIS) Opens in new window (pdf, 70kB) 388502 - Candidate Pack - Assistant Category Head - Defence Digital Software.docx Opens in new window (pdf, 797kB) Share this page Print Email Gmail Facebook LinkedIn