At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial team to shape and deliver procurement strategies that make a real impact.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, where innovation meets community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and extensive health and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a difference while growing your career in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in procurement and experience in contract management required.
The predicted salary is between 51220 - 54371 £ per year.
Is your CV ready? If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.
Salary: £51,220 - £54,371 pa plus excellent benefits and hybrid working
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Huntingdon (hybrid working)
Being part of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) isn’t just about fighting fires - it’s about also making a difference through innovation, technology and collaboration.
We’re looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Commercial Team Leader, to support front-line Firefighters and Support Teams. This is your chance to apply your skills where it really matters. If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference, all the while growing your career, CFRS could be the perfect place for you.
About the role:
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver the organisation's commercial and procurement strategy. You will drive key initiatives that support the strategic direction of the service, ensuring effective routes to market and robust contract management.
Working closely with Commercial Category Leads, you will provide guidance and oversight to ensure procurement activity is delivered effectively, transparently and in line with organisational priorities. You will also develop and communicate clear procurement plans so that colleagues understand requirements throughout the procurement and contract management lifecycle. In addition, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Commercial.
As part of a high-performing commercial team, you will champion continuous improvement in procurement processes and contract management, helping to deliver value for money and efficiencies for the organisation and the taxpayer. You will work with key stakeholders and partner organisations to identify collaborative opportunities across blue light services, while also supporting the identification and management of supply chain risks to strengthen organisational resilience.
About you:
Everyone is welcome at CFRS and we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and professional support team. The experience required in this role includes:
- Professional qualification and/or Member of or working towards MCIPS (Min level 5 completed)
- Professional Diploma - Chartered Institute of Purchase & Supply
- Good knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Previous Regulations PCR 2015, principles of GPA and WTO Parameters.
- Previous experience of the use of e-tendering portals
- Commercial Awareness within a Public Sector Environment and the Emergency Services
- Demonstrable experience in the examining, advising and negotiating on contracts
- Be proficient in Microsoft based packages, including Sharepoint, Word and Excel to manipulate and interpret numerical data, along with familiarity of Teams.
- Able to calculate and evaluate numerical data
- Able to advise, persuade or negotiate within the confines of the regulations
- In-depth experience of an e-tendering portal such as Central Digital Platform, Contracts Finder, Finder Tender, Delta e-sourcing, Blue light etc to provide an auditable tendering mechanism
- Strong organisational skills, able to autonomously prioritise work effectively and deliver to deadlines under pressure
- Demonstrable in-depth experience of running and managing complex procurement processes.
- Adept at working as a team member or working independently when required
Why choose CFRS?
At CFRS, our people are our greatest strength. We take pride in our culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development.
- A Service that values you: 94% of our employees care about the future of CFRS, 88% are proud to work for CFRS, 78% would recommend CFRS as a great place to work
- A culture that inspires and motivates: 81% our people would still like to be working here in two years’ time, 83% feel motivated to give their best every day, 82% are satisfied with CFRS as an employer
- Opportunities for growth - whether it’s learning new technologies, supporting projects, or gaining industry certifications, we support professional development every step of the way.
- A culture of innovation and inclusion - we foster an environment where your ideas matter, and where every individual is valued, included, and empowered to excel.
When you join CFRS, you'll benefit from:
- Career progression and specialist training - Whether you want to develop new skills, gain qualifications, or advance into leadership, we’ll give you the opportunities to grow.
- Health and wellbeing support - Your wellbeing matters. We provide access to mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Programme, and occupational health services to support you throughout your career.
- A culture of inclusion and belonging - We don’t expect you to fit a mould - we want you to bring your whole self to the job.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, with inclusion ambassadors and networks in place to champion every member of our team.
Additional rewards and benefits:
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service
- Competitive pension scheme
- Family-friendly policies, including flexible working
- Hybrid working options – minimum three days per week office-based
- Free on-site parking (site-specific)
- Access to Blue Light Discounts at hundreds of retailers and events
We also have a number of other exciting opportunities within our Commercial team, please visit Current Vacancies to find out more.
How to apply
Commercial Team Leader in Over employer: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Joining Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) as a Commercial Team Leader means becoming part of a dedicated team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, CFRS offers excellent benefits including hybrid working, career progression opportunities, and a supportive work culture where your contributions truly matter. Experience a fulfilling career in a role that not only supports front-line services but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Team Leader in Over
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to procurement and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Team Leader in Over
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Team Leader role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in procurement and contract management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for CFRS. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive initiatives and deliver value for money. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t wait too long – apply ASAP!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and previous regulations like PCR 2015. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in a commercial environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed complex procurement processes or negotiated contracts. This will help demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive key initiatives, which is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can illustrate your teamwork skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous positions to achieve common goals, especially in a public sector context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team's current challenges or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to CFRS's mission.
