At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for defence projects, managing suppliers and contracts effectively.
- Company: Join a government client focused on impactful procurement services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on multiple projects and engage with key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a difference in defence procurement while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A Commercial Manager is required for our Government client to provide a professional procurement service across a diverse range of Categories specifically within defence. You will also develop, grow and maintain the supplier base which will involve communications and interactions in order for the team to meet its obligation of growing and promoting the product across defence and its global network.
You will be a confident and decisive communicator who works well under pressure with strong time and workload management capability, business process awareness and a service orientated mindset in order to deliver the control, accuracy, consistency and quality required. You will be capable of delivering accurate information whilst managing multiple procurements to the Clients stakeholders, suppliers and other government departmental stakeholders.
Essential Skills & Experience required:
- Extensive experience of working within a procurement role
- Extensive working experience of developing public sector commercial and procurement documentation
- Possess a working knowledge of PCR and DSPCR (Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations)
- Working experience of Supplier and Market Management
- Experience of negotiating and building partnerships with suppliers
- Evidence of managing risk in the supply chain and supply chain development
- Evidence of stakeholder engagement and ability to identify key stakeholders and implement appropriate communications
- Full MCIPS (level 4) qualified or working towards this
- Working experience of Contracting, Purchasing and Finance (CP&F); the defence electronic procurement system for sourcing, contracting and procurement used for all defence contracts to align business case / financial approval with contract activity.
- Understanding of Exostar accounts (the supplier’s interface with CP&F) to allow suppliers access to contracts, invoicing, and payments.
- Experience in running multiple procurements concurrently
- Lead on preparation of tender and contract documentation, analysis and evaluation of submissions, negotiations with suppliers.
- Demonstrate financial and commercial acumen in the evaluation of quotes/tenders as well as financial standing of suppliers;
- Demonstrate working experience of procurement processes, including drafting ITT documentation, FTS Notices, SQs and ITT documentation.
If this role is of interest, please email your CV to: joanne.stanley@certes.co.uk
Commercial Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Certes
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in Buckinghamshire with the flexibility of remote work, we offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the higher education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact through our digital transformation initiatives, where your expertise as an Enterprise Architect will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Milton Keynes
✨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 Manager in Milton Keynes
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.
