At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial delivery and improve procurement processes in a dynamic government team.
- Company: Agile UK Government department focused on innovative public sector acquisition.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, competitive pay, and the chance to shape procurement strategies.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector procurement while working flexibly and innovatively.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial/procurement and knowledge of public sector regulations.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We're recruiting on behalf of an agile, forward-thinking commercial function within a major UK Government department, set up to make public sector acquisition faster, more user-centric, and more accessible to smaller and emerging suppliers. This is a genuinely disruptive team, operating with real freedom to work differently from traditional long-cycle procurement processes.
As a Commercial Pathfinder, you'll have a dual remit: delivering hands-on commercial and procurement work on live programmes, while directly helping shape and improve how the team itself operates. This is as much about building the model as it is about executing within it.
What You'll Be Doing
- Owning commercial delivery end-to-end from early market engagement and sourcing strategy through to contract management and benefits realisation.
- Building strong working relationships with programme stakeholders, advising on commercial and procurement strategy and routes to market.
- Identifying, managing, and resolving commercial risks, issues, and dependencies.
- Maintaining compliance with procurement regulations and approvals throughout.
- Completing monthly MI reporting and tracking financial/non-financial benefits across your portfolio.
- Feeding back and helping implement improvements to commercial ways of working.
What We're Looking For
- Solid commercial/procurement experience across the full acquisition lifecycle.
- Working knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and compliance.
- Comfort operating with ambiguity and helping define new processes rather than following a fixed playbook.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly at a senior level.
- Genuine interest in faster, more agile approaches to public sector acquisition.
- Comfortable working as an outside-IR35 contractor, fully remote.
- Active UK security clearance (SC or above).
Commercial & Procurement Manager in Slough employer: Arguile
At Arguile, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the defence sector, offering our employees the chance to make a significant impact in a high-growth start-up environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique advantage with access to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Procurement Manager in Slough
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Arguile.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial & Procurement Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Arguile:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arguile. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Arguile.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Arguile!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Arguile. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Arguile's culture.
