Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for construction and infrastructure projects across the Defra group.
- Company: Join the Government Commercial Function, dedicated to environmental and rural affairs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a national impact while leading a dynamic team in a mission-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Seeking strategic leaders with experience in construction or infrastructure procurement.
- Other info: This is a senior role with travel required to various locations across England.
The predicted salary is between 82000 - 110000 £ per year.
Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme
Join to apply for the Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme role at Government Commercial Function
Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme role at Government Commercial Function
Government Commercial Function provided pay range
This range is provided by Government Commercial Function. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Government Commercial Function
Department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Job Title: Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme.
Location: Birmingham B3 1AQ, London SW1P 4DF, Reading RG1 8DQ, Peterborough PE2 8YY, Weybridge KT15 3DH.
Travel to various locations required 4 to 8 days per month as team is based across multiple sites
Salary: £96,000 – £131,000, up to 20% performance-related-pay available on accreditation.
About the job
Defra is hiring for a pivotal senior leadership role, a Head of Buildings Category & Commercial Director for the National Biosecurity Centre (NBC) Programme. You will lead provision of commercial support to Defra group and arm’s length bodies (ALB’s) such as Natural England and the Environment Agency with construction, infrastructure and facilities management requirements.
The postholder will also be the senior commercial lead for the National Biosecurity Centre Programme which will provide essential research, surveillance and outbreak response in the UK.
The successful candidate will undertake a senior strategic leadership role, influencing and improving the commercial capability and the management of categories of spend across the Defra group. They will be responsible for effective spend management through innovation and transformation in order to meet the Defra strategic outcomes, whilst also fulfilling its Spending Review targets.
This position is a senior leadership role in the Defra group and will report directly into the Defra Category Management Director. The successful candidate will lead, motivate and develop a forward-thinking and professional commercial team located across several main hub locations across England.
As Head of Buildings Category & NBC Commercial Director you will:
- Lead the commercial strategy across Defra\’s construction, infrastructure, and FM portfolio – ensuring commercial outcomes are aligned to departmental objectives and best practice procurement.
- Take on the role of Senior Commercial Lead for the NBC programme, responsible for enabling science and infrastructure delivery at a national scale
- Shape and implement key commercial models, contracts, frameworks and supplier engagement strategies – delivering long term value and robust supply-chain management
- Provide strong leadership in commercial risk management, across complex and high-value construction projects
- Drive delivery performance and transformation across priority sub-categories in the wider commercial function
- Build and lead a talented, professional, commercial team. Creating a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across government to act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner
This is a strong leadership opportunity for a strategic commercial professional with deep experience in construction, estates, or infrastructure procurement – looking to influence national programmes and lead a mission-driven team.
For further information on this role, who we are looking for and how to apply – please click on the \’Apply Now\’ Link and download the candidate information pack.
Closing date for applications: 11:55 pm on 17th July 2025.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Supply Chain and Purchasing
-
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Government Commercial Function by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Retail jobs in England, United Kingdom .
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Manchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 6 hours ago
Regional Manager Opportunities- South East
South East, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations
London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
York, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Castleford, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Store Manager – Accessorize – Victoria Street, London
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Store Manager – Central London (NEW FLAGSHIP STORE OPENING)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Store Manager (M/F) – London (UK) – CDI full time
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
West Midlands, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Assistant Store Manager – Central London (NEW FLAGSHIP STORE OPENING)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme employer: Government Commercial Function
Contact Detail:
Government Commercial Function Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders in the Defra group and arm's length bodies. Understanding their roles and how they interact with the Head of Buildings Category will help you demonstrate your strategic insight during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in leading commercial strategies, particularly in construction and infrastructure. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and delivered value, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the government sector, especially those involved in procurement and commercial management. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends and challenges in biosecurity and environmental management. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the National Biosecurity Centre Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in construction, infrastructure, or procurement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role. Discuss how your vision aligns with the objectives of the Defra group and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Buildings Category and National Biosecurity Centre Programme role. Familiarise yourself with Defra's objectives, the specific responsibilities of the position, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As this is a senior leadership role, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Highlight instances where you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, and driven transformation in commercial settings.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and ability to influence stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and implement commercial models and frameworks that align with departmental objectives.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Risk Management
Given the focus on commercial risk management in high-value construction projects, prepare examples of how you've effectively managed risks in past roles. This will show your capability to handle the complexities of the position.
