At a Glance
- Tasks: Make strategic procurement decisions and support the nuclear industry with your expertise.
- Company: Join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, a vital armed police service for the nuclear sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days leave, a generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-critical team making impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification and experience in public sector procurement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an armed police service that’s dedicated to the nuclear industry. Our vision is to be recognised as a provider of a world-class service for the protection of nuclear material and facilities. Given the critical nature of our work, it’s vital that we recruit skilled and capable professionals to join our experienced team.
The Commercial Specialist makes professional recommendations that will be relied on by the organisation, to make important strategic and contractual decisions affecting projects with lifetime budgets exceeding £1m. We are looking for an individual who is professionally qualified (MCIPS), and experienced in management. The Commercial Specialist will be required to establish, implement and if necessary, enforce strategic procurement policies and ensure the organisation’s compliance with legal obligations. The position has significant latitude to make important decisions.
You will be required to identify, scope, evaluate, award and implement a broad range of procurements and contracts on behalf of the Police Authority and Constabulary. The principal focus is on helping stakeholders to realise their needs in a timely and compliant manner through providing professional advice and support in a specialist field of work. You will also mentor and support other professional procurement staff in development roles, and work toward the continuous improvement of the Constabulary’s commercial terms and conditions, policies and service level agreements in a wide variety of contractual areas.
Some of the skills and experience required for the role include:
- Professional Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply MCIPS Professional Qualification.
- Public Sector: Extensive experience in managing procurement activities and contracts within the public sector, understanding its unique challenges and regulatory requirements.
- Experience and understanding of the procurement of goods, services, and works across a range of categories including but not limited to Professional Services, IT, FM and Travel/Fleet.
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Experience in handling all phases of the contract lifecycle, from negotiation and execution to monitoring and renewal.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Experience in ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as the PCR2015 and PA2023, and managing associated risks.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders, including suppliers, legal teams, and internal departments, to meet Commercial objectives. Effective interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Dispute Resolution: Experience in managing and resolving contract disputes effectively and efficiently.
- Analytical Skills: Proficient in analysing contract terms, financial data, and performance metrics to make informed decisions.
- Legal Knowledge: Understanding of contract law and public procurement regulations to ensure all contracts are legally sound. Ability to prepare and produce necessary supporting documentation appertaining to contracts, service-level agreements and framework documentation.
- Financial Acumen: Ability to understand financial aspects of contracts, including budgeting, cost control, savings and efficiencies.
- Responsive to changing priorities and requirements with the ability to handle competing demands and meet deadlines.
The post holder must comply with Equalities Legislation and promote equality, diversity and inclusivity through their daily interactions. The post holder must avoid any behaviours which discriminate against others on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, political opinion or trade union membership.
This role has been assessed as suitable for hybrid working with a 60% Home / 40% Office split, which will be discussed and agreed with the selected candidate. Please note that this role will initially be based at our HQ in Culham, Oxfordshire until our relocation to Harwell, Oxfordshire in Autumn 2026.
Benefits of working for the CNC:
- 27.5 days annual leave (rising by 1 day after 2 years’ service, and 0.5 days every year thereafter until a total of 32.5 days is reached) plus Bank Holidays.
- Additional 30 minutes time worked during the week to accrue additional leave of 3 days, which can be used for the period between Christmas and New Year.
- Generous pension scheme (20.7% employer's contribution).
- Flexi-time working scheme.
- Bonus scheme – dependent on organisational and personal performance, up to a maximum of 7% of salary.
- Subsidised Costa Coffee, restaurant, and deli on site at HQ.
- Free parking on site.
- Eligible to join the national Blue Light Card scheme, which offers discounts on a variety of products and services.
- Enhanced family friendly and wellbeing policies.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
As police staff, the public expect us to display the highest standards, values, and professional qualities at all times. The CNC values and Code of Ethics applies to all police staff and sets out the principles and standards of behaviour we expect to see, and you are responsible for displaying and delivering these to the highest standards.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and appreciate the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We work to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.
Through the ongoing support of our affinity networks, ED&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice; where everyone is included.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact the Police Staff Recruitment Team to request accommodation.
Commercial Specialist in Abingdon employer: Civil Nuclear Constabulary
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and compliance. With hybrid working options, competitive salary packages, and a strong focus on employee development, this role provides meaningful opportunities for growth while contributing to the safety and security of the civil nuclear sector.
Contact Details:
Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Specialist in Abingdon
✨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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
✨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 Specialist in Abingdon
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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Civil Nuclear Constabulary. 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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Constabulary
✨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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary!
✨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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary. 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 Civil Nuclear Constabulary's culture.
