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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-stakes procurements and develop innovative commercial strategies.
- Company: Join the UK's armed police force dedicated to nuclear safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: MCIPS level 6 and experience in complex procurement required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary up to £62,509 plus a £2,000 South East Allowance per annum and excellent benefits. Full-time, permanent.
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is the UK’s armed police force dedicated to protecting nuclear material and facilities. We are seeking an experienced commercial professional to lead complex, high-risk procurements and deliver robust commercial strategies across the Operations category.
The Role
You will take ownership of complex commercial programmes exceeding £5m, designing and delivering compliant acquisition strategies — including Covered Procurements and the Competitive Flexible Procedure. This is a senior role requiring significant autonomy and professional judgement. Decisions directly impact legal compliance, financial exposure, and organisational reputation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop procurement strategies aligned to organisational objectives
- Conduct market analysis and early market engagement
- Develop and assess commercial options
- Lead Commercial & Economic Cases (SOBC, OBC, FBC)
- Secure external approvals (DESNZ, Cabinet Office, HMT)
- Acquire – Complex Procurements
- Design bespoke commercial processes
- Lead supplier negotiations and selection
- Allocate and manage risk appropriately
- Draft and finalise robust commercial contracts
- Transition contracts into effective BAU management
- Manage – Markets & Stakeholders
- Develop and deliver market strategies
- Engage senior stakeholders (HMG, DESNZ, CNPA, Executive team)
- Lead & Develop
- Manage and mentor a small team of qualified commercial specialists
- Develop capability through training and professional development initiatives
Skills & Experience
- MCIPS to level 6 (professional qualification)
- Proven delivery of complex, high-risk procurements
- Experience across goods, services and works (e.g. Professional Services, IT, FM, Travel/Fleet)
- Strong knowledge of contract and procurement law (PCR 2015, PA 2023)
- Advanced contract lifecycle management and negotiation skills
- Experience managing and developing professional staff
- Strong analytical and financial acumen
- High attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple complex procurements
- Sound judgement and risk management capability
- Experience in managing and resolving contract disputes effectively and efficiently.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working (40% office / 60% remote – subject to agreement)
- Based at HQ Culham until relocation to Harwell (Autumn 2026)
- 27.5 days annual leave (rising to 32.5 days) + Bank Holidays
- Additional 3 days leave accrued for Christmas period
- Performance bonus (up to 7%)
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- 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 to these standards.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.
Through the dedicated commitment 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 feels included.
Senior Commercial Lead - Operations in Harwell employer: Civil Nuclear Constabulary
Contact Detail:
Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Lead - Operations in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Commercial Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead - Operations in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in complex procurements and commercial strategies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your MCIPS qualification and any relevant experience you have in managing high-risk procurements. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of contract law, so make that clear in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at CNC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Constabulary
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the procurement strategies relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of Covered Procurements and the Competitive Flexible Procedure, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss how you’ve successfully implemented these strategies in past roles will show your expertise.
✨Engage with Market Analysis
Demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough market analysis by preparing examples of how you've engaged with markets in previous positions. Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities and assessed commercial options, as this will highlight your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to talk about your experience in leading and mentoring others. Share specific examples of how you’ve developed team capabilities and handled complex negotiations, as this will illustrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Understand the CNC Values
Familiarise yourself with the values and Code of Ethics of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Be ready to discuss how you embody these principles in your work. Showing that you align with their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will demonstrate that you’re a good cultural fit for the organisation.