At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial and contract management for a significant apprenticeship portfolio.
- Company: Join a high-profile government programme in London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those transitioning from project management to commercial leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector procurement and governance.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in government commercial functions and supplier management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract Length: 12 Months
Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: London (Hybrid) 2 - 3 days per week
Clearance: BPSS required, SC preferred.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Commercial & Procurement Manager to join a high‑profile government programme, leading commercial and contract management activities across a nationally significant apprenticeship portfolio. This role will be responsible for managing existing supplier relationships, supporting major procurement exercises, and ensuring robust governance, reporting, and contract performance management across multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring strong government commercial experience, a deep understanding of public sector procurement frameworks, and the ability to operate effectively across complex stakeholder environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Contract & Supplier Management
- Manage a portfolio of apprenticeship contracts currently in delivery.
- Monitor supplier performance against contractual KPIs and service levels.
- Conduct regular contract management and performance review meetings with providers.
- Address performance issues, risks, and improvement opportunities across varying supplier performance levels.
- Develop and implement effective contract management processes and reporting frameworks.
- Procurement & Commercial Delivery
- Lead and support the re-procurement of apprenticeship contracts through the full procurement life cycle.
- Develop business cases and commercial strategies for new procurements.
- Work closely with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and internal stakeholders throughout procurement exercises.
- Manage supplier engagement, tender processes, evaluation activities, and contract awards.
- Support contract mobilisation and transition into business‑as‑usual operations.
- Governance & Reporting
- Produce regular commercial and performance reporting for senior government stakeholders.
- Deliver weekly performance updates and contract status reports.
- Support reporting requirements across DSIT, Cabinet Office, and No.10.
- Establish sustainable reporting and governance mechanisms for long‑term contract oversight.
- Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across government departments, suppliers, and delivery teams.
- Support commercial activities across both apprenticeship and cyber programme portfolios.
- Provide commercial advice and guidance to programme teams and senior leadership.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience working within commercial and procurement functions across UK Government departments.
- Proven experience managing complex supplier contracts and public sector procurement activities.
- Strong understanding of Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks and procurement processes.
- Experience transferring, transitioning, or managing contracts between government departments.
- Knowledge of government commercial governance, reporting structures, and assurance processes.
- Experience developing business cases and supporting end-to-end procurement exercises.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at multiple levels.
- Excellent commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within education, learning, talent acquisition, apprenticeships, or workforce development programmes.
- Understanding of Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.
- Familiarity with project and portfolio management tooling, including JIRA.
- Experience working within cyber, digital, technology, or transformation programmes.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role would suit an experienced Commercial Manager, Procurement Manager, Contract Manager, or Commercial Lead who has operated within government environments and understands the complexities of public sector procurement, governance, and reporting. Candidates who have transitioned from project or programme management into commercial leadership roles will be particularly well suited.
Certes Computing (and all of its subsidiary companies) is committed to promoting equality and diversity in its business operations.
Commercial & Procurement Manager employer: Certes
As a leading employer in the public sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within high-profile government projects. With a hybrid working model based in London, we provide a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages meaningful contributions to national apprenticeship initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Procurement Manager
✨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 Certes.
✨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
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 Certes:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Certes. 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 Certes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Certes
✨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 Certes!
✨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 Certes. 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 Certes's culture.
