At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and manage contracts for operational policing.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on optimising technology in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, generous leave, and a supportive development framework.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing culture that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 or 3 years' experience in a commercial environment required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Head of Category
Dept/Pillar: Operational Policing
Hours: 37 (potentially flexible)
Grade/Salary: From £51,721 (dependent on experience etc)
Contract Type: Permanent
Vetting Level: NPPV 3 & SC
Role overview
Commercial Leads have a portfolio covering multiple categories, also taking the lead on specific categories. This flexible approach enables equitable workload and enables the Commercial team to be agile and deliver.
You will be responsible for delivering maximum value via commercial activities, influencing commercial strategy and demonstrating positive stakeholder management. Collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, advising others as a commercial professional and procurement expert. This role will primarily be concentrating on contract management activities.
The role supports the wider BlueLight Commercial team with procurement and contract management activities which creates diversity and continuous professional development in this role. Also, closely supporting senior management with, or personally leading on, specific work streams, making data led, evidence-based recommendations and decisions.
My Team and the BlueLight Team
You will be an integral part of the commercial team and contributing to our high performing team culture. We are intent on optimising technology to plan and deliver work visibly, collaboratively, and efficiently. We are fully remote and agile and being a team here is exciting and still a bit unique! We care about your wellbeing and you will have opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
My Responsibilities and accountabilities
- Providing on-the-ground overall commercial support for planning, implementation and monitoring of BlueLight Commercial led initiatives and activities
- Contributing to preparing strategic plans and facilitating, delivering and making recommendations for action to stakeholders, ensuring adherence to any procurement regulations and Government policy
- Leading contract and supplier management programmes including leading on supply chain improvement projects and supporting complex negotiations
- Leading and evaluating complex competitive tenders and proposals for the supply of goods and services for blue light services
- Working with stakeholders to identify issues and understand expectations to develop and deliver best commercial options, gaining commitment at each stage of the commercial lifecycle.
- Creating strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
- Managing stakeholder relationships with professionalism and tact to facilitate the transition from old ways of working to adopt the new ones, mitigating risks, concerns and issues
- Working with financial processes and tools to evaluate options and ensure financial information and data are accurately reflected in commercial plans
- Ensuring adherence to legal, regulatory and security requirements in service delivery and build diversity, equality and social value considerations into plans
- Leading sourcing processes, ensuring that all stakeholder requirements are met within required timeframes and result in the most commercially attractive terms and conditions.
- Undertaking any other work as directed by your line manager in connection with your job as may be requested.
Qualifications & Accreditations
You are someone who has attained:
- CIPS qualified to Level 4 and/or a minimum of 3 years’ experience within a commercial environment i.e. commissioning, procurement, contract management.
- Willing to work towards achieving Government Commercial Function (GCF) accreditation to Commercial Lead level
Experience & Knowledge
You are someone who has:
- Either previous experience pertinent to the role, e.g. working within the public sector and a working knowledge of Public Procurement regulations, Equality Act 2010 and Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012; or demonstrable private sector procurement experience together with a desire to gain public sector experience.
- Experience in sourcing, implementing and managing new contracts and ways of working, including change management models
- Proven success in leading the full end-to-end commercial cycle
Skills
You are someone who is:
- Excellent interpersonal & communication skills with the ability to influence in a collaborative manner.
- Demonstrable relationship management skills, creating trusted relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Persuasive and capable of presenting different options and recommendations to achieve innovation and new market opportunities.
- Highly numerate and analytical, able to assimilate and apply new techniques and knowledge quickly to deliver insights and solve problems
- Able to identify risks and understand risk management, anticipate issues and create innovative, commercially astute solutions and to resolve problems in relation to project or service delivery
Personal Qualities
You are:
- Resilient, proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects across categories that on occasion have competing timelines
- Good commercial and financial acumen
- Committed to professional development
- Collaborative and team oriented
- Agile and flexible
Our Values
Our values guide our behaviour. They inform how we act, the decisions we make and how we collaborate with each other and the organisations we work with. They remind us of ‘how to be’ in all we do and strive to achieve as a diverse and agile company.
- Be the best
- Be responsible
- Be a team
- Be open
- Be the difference
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We foster a work environment that is inclusive as well as diverse, where our people can be themselves. We value every idea and perspective towards helping us to evolve and innovate.
What We Offer - Total Rewards Package
- Starting salary £51,721 p.a. (DOE dependent on experience)
- Quality equipment for successful remote working, laptop, mobile phone, monitor, chair & desk and a Welcome ‘kit box’
- 12% employer pension contribution
- Support for your development for your Role and future career development (a framework to achieve this)
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme
- Life insurance 4 x salary
- 28 days annual leave (rising on service)
- Birthday Leave (1 x extra day per year to be used in birthday month)
- Paid bank holiday leave
- Occupational sick pay
- Wellness – free vouchers for eye test and flu jab
- Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing
- 1 x annual professional subscription
- Learning Management System – access to free training & e-learning (more than 80,000 learning resources)
CLOSING DATE: 10th July 2025
POTENTIAL INTERVIEWS: Week commencing 21st July 2025
In the event that we receive sufficient applications for this role, we may choose to close this job advert early.
Please let us know confidentially if you require any adjustments in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience, this can be prior to applying or when you apply.
The legal bit
The successful applicant will be subject to pre-employment checks including medical screening and vetting (carried out externally NPPV3) due to the nature of our business this is important. As standard you will need to satisfy:
- Employment eligibility check (right to work in the UK)
- Residency qualification (meaning you must have a 5 year 'checkable history' in the UK, ideally you have been and you are a resident in England or Wales for the last 5 years).
- Employment references (last 3 years or educational / personal reference where applicable)
Commercial Lead Operational Policing · England, Wales · employer: Bluelight Commercial
Contact Detail:
Bluelight Commercial Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead Operational Policing · England, Wales ·
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement regulations and policies relevant to public sector roles. Understanding these will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the operational policing and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities within the BlueLight Commercial team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in managing complex contracts and supplier relationships during interviews. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and lead negotiations effectively, as these skills are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in technology and innovation within the policing sector. Being knowledgeable about how technology can optimise operations will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can contribute to the team's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead Operational Policing · England, Wales ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial activities, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Clearly outline how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Commercial Lead position, particularly your experience in procurement and contract management.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Mention your CIPS qualification and any other relevant certifications or training. If you have experience in public sector procurement regulations, be sure to include that as well.
Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal and communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders and influenced decisions in a collaborative manner.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bluelight Commercial
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Commercial Lead position. Familiarise yourself with contract management, procurement regulations, and the specific categories you'll be handling. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in commercial environments, especially any relevant public sector work. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed contracts or led procurement processes, as this will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role involves significant stakeholder interaction, be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained relationships in past roles. Discuss your approach to managing expectations and resolving conflicts, as this will illustrate your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team's culture, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.