At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial team to shape and deliver procurement strategies that support frontline services.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, where innovation meets community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, career progression, and health support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in procurement and experience with e-tendering portals required.
The predicted salary is between 51220 - 54371 € per year.
Salary: £51,220 - £54,371 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 also about 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.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification and/or Member of or working towards MCIPS (minimum 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 using e‑tendering portals
- Commercial awareness within a public sector environment and the emergency services
- Demonstrable experience in examining, advising and negotiating on contracts
- Proficiency in Microsoft packages, including SharePoint, Word and Excel to manipulate and interpret numerical data, along with familiarity with Teams
- Ability to calculate and evaluate numerical data
- Ability to advise, persuade or negotiate within the confines of the regulations
- In‑depth experience of e‑tendering portals 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
Benefits and rewards
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 – 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
- 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
Commercial Team Leader employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Joining Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) as a Commercial Team Leader means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a real difference in the community. With a strong emphasis on career progression, health and wellbeing support, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, CFRS offers an exceptional work environment where your contributions are valued. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, competitive leave, and access to exclusive discounts while playing a vital role in shaping the future of emergency services procurement.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at CFRS. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching CFRS and its values. Show us how your skills align with their mission of innovation and collaboration. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in procurement and contract management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the role of Commercial Team Leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CFRS team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and contract management, and show us how your skills align with our mission at CFRS.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see what you’ve accomplished! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in areas like driving efficiencies or managing complex procurement processes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨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 theory but can apply it in practice.
✨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.
✨Be a Team Player
CFRS values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with stakeholders or partner organisations in the past. Highlight any experiences where you identified collaborative opportunities or improved procurement processes.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Familiarise yourself with e-tendering portals like Delta e-sourcing or Contracts Finder. Mentioning your proficiency with these tools during the interview will show that you're prepared to hit the ground running.
