Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent - Commercial Practitioner)

Flexible working options including flexitime, part-time, full-time, job share and compressed hours are available. This role requires a minimum of three days per week in the office with flexibility to work from home one to two days per week. There will also be a requirement to travel to other locations as needed.

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats such as terrorism and state-sponsored attacks. We conduct investigations, analyse and assess intelligence, and work with partners such as MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and organisations to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

As a Procurement Manager you’ll provide a responsive, efficient and professional service in line with our commercial policy. You’ll assist with the delivery of goods and services and ensure projects are delivered on time and in line with requirements. You’ll work closely with customers at all levels while providing support to the Associate Commercial Lead within your team. You could be working with our customer-facing teams, managing relationships, developing commercial solutions and agreeing the future pipeline and prioritisation of the workbook. Or you might support commercial delivery within category teams across Technology, Estates, People and Professional Services, and Supply Chain Security. We also have roles in Commercial Operations, where you’ll be responsible for low-value procurements, policy, audit, and management information.

Whichever area you’re working in, you’ll be part of a friendly, inclusive, welcoming and highly supportive team working across the intelligence agencies. You’ll work with a broad spectrum of people, from customers in highly sensitive operational areas to suppliers, government partners and our overseas counterparts. Day-to-day you’ll keep internal and external partners informed with status updates on procurement projects. You’ll create and manage contracts and monitor and review their performance, ensuring key performance indicators are met. From gathering requirements and overseeing tendering to contract implementation, you’ll identify substantial cost savings and value-added interventions. In short, you’ll apply best practice commercial principles to all you do. Plus you’ll task-manage a small team of people, building their capabilities and enhancing their impact through continuous development of working practices. You’ll share enthusiasm and motivate those around you, adding value to a department that contributes to the safety of the UK.

The role offers a great balance of on-site collaboration and flexible working. A minimum of three days per week in the office is required, with the option to work from home on other days where business needs allow. Some posts may require up to five days a week onsite. The role may also involve occasional travel. As an inclusive organisation we welcome applications from people seeking flexible working patterns.

You’ll bring commercial acumen, customer focus and knowledge of procurement processes. With experience in a procurement and supply chain service you’ll know how to secure value for money and deliver best practice. You’ll be able to build rapport and develop strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and your own team. You’ll identify solutions, bring enthusiasm, and understand the security implications of what we do. You’ll have experience in at least one of the following: contract management, sourcing, commercial policy and assurance, supply chain or low-value procurement and invoicing. Additionally you may have experience managing a supplier or working in a role that requires purchasing, bill management or drafting and managing contracts. We’ll look to you to find cost-saving solutions, so you’ll have knowledge of category management approaches that deliver cash-releasing savings and total cost reductions. You’ll be confident prioritising the commercial workbook for the customer delivery of business as usual. Your expertise will be key, and so will your ability to drive those around you. You’ll be a role model for your team, providing support and encouraging confidence through mentoring and knowledge sharing. You’ll take a positive approach to resolving issues and setbacks, analysing situations, making recommendations and improving our service to customers.

Additionally, you should hold, or be willing to study towards, a professional commercial qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) Level 4 or equivalent. While not essential, we are interested in individuals who have experience contracting for Cloud or Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled services or experience using AI or other Cloud enabled platforms in commercial delivery. Some of our roles involve working closely with the AI team to undertake projects across the business, onboarding AI with suppliers.

Applicants must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires the highest security clearance, Developed Vetting (DV).

You’ll receive a starting salary of between £47,677 (London) or £45,331 (Cheltenham, Manchester and Buckinghamshire) plus other benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, and an additional 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Dedicated development budget
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave