At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial agreements and build strong supplier relationships to drive value.
- Company: Join the UK's largest public procurement organisation, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, remote work, and flexi-time options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that influences public sector buying behaviours.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job description
Job Title: Commercial Practitioner
Band: 4
Salary: £48,027 - £54,751
Available Locations: Liverpool, Newport, Norwich or Birmingham.
The following locations listed below are restricted to contracted GCA staff already based in one of these offices:
London
External applicants are not eligible for this sites. If you select this location as an external applicant your application will unfortunately be withdrawn.
Contract Type: 1 x Permanant and 1 x 12 month FTA (Please note, these will be awarded in merit order, with the top scoring candidate being offered the permanent contract)
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 30-09-26
Interview Date(s): WC 12-10-27 (subject to change)
Watch our Webinar on the above link and gain valuable insight into GCA and our recruitment processes.
Are you ready to lead the digital transformation of the UK public sector?
Join Government Commercial Agency (GCA) and apply your technology expertise to deliver true Value for the Nation. You will drive market-leading commercial agreements that empower our public services with world-class innovation, ensuring every pound spent builds a more resilient, cost-effective, and digitally-advanced Britain. Progress your career where commercial strategy meets national purpose.
Job Summary
Based in the Software category within Technology, you will work alongside a Commercial Lead to own high-value commercial agreements. You will drive supplier relationship management and cultivate customer partnerships to deliver value for the nation.
Joining GCA's Technology Category means helping manage over £14bn in public sector spend, directly fueling the UK's digital evolution.
You will join experts guiding public sector clients through the tech market, connecting leading suppliers with essential public services to support key government missions.
Our team is transforming to be more flexible, offering opportunities to work across other categories for business needs or staff development.
Key Accountabilities:
The post holder will be accountable for leading the delivery of key operational and commercial activities associated with:
Agreement Performance Management and Procurement:
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Effective management of Commercial Agreement performance over its lifecycle to meet increased customer reach and commercial benefits targets, including communications campaigns and sharing insights as part of industry and customer forums.
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Lead on procurement workstreams and / or provide significant contribution to the delivery and management of commercial agreement procurements, working to agreed timelines. Procurement workstreams may include: commercial agreements, aggregated procurements, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs).
Customer Partnership & Advocacy:
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Act as a category specialist, proactively advising public sector buyers, across all levels of seniority, on optimal commercial strategies to ensure the best possible commercial outcomes for their technology procurement needs.
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Manage complex enquiries, providing high quality advice and guidance to enhance GCA’s reputation as a trusted partner.
Supplier Relationship Management and Market Insights:
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Management of commercial agreement suppliers, with the capacity to support supplier negotiations when required. Requirements include analysing complex data and financial reporting to identify market trends, spending behaviours, and value-add opportunities for the benefit of the public sector.
Value Creation & Collaboration:
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Develop strong engagement with suppliers and public sector buyers to identify and share best practice for successful commercial outcomes and deliver Value for the Nation.
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Work in close collaboration with the Customer Experience Directorate to retain, grow customer base through added value initiatives and improvement of service quality.
Risk & Strategy Development:
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Effectively manage risk and issues for your agreement, ensuring mitigation and escalation measures are implemented as appropriate.
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Support the Commercial Lead in evolving category strategies, providing insights based on customers’ and suppliers’ feedback with a view to continuously improving the Technology category group product portfolio.
Team & Operational Excellence:
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Support team development and resilience either directly or through matrix management, while identifying and implementing process improvements to optimise category management operations
Essential Criteria (to be assessed at application stage):
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Experience of procurement and/or commercial contract management, with a track record of managing contract performance, delivering excellent customer satisfaction and value for money
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Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse large data sets and make informed decisions in a complex commercial environment
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Experience of supplier and/or customer relationship management - preferably within the technology sector
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Proactively and collaboratively motivate, influence, and persuade diverse internal and external stakeholders across all seniority levels, advising and driving optimal commercial outcomes.
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Ability to problem solve and identify continuous improvement opportunities that ensures the category/organisation operates with maximum effectiveness
Success Profiles (to be assessed at interview):
Experience
Behaviours:
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Working Together
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Communicating and Influencing
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Delivering at pace
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Managing a quality service
Technical
Contract and supplier management (Lead success profile)
(A link to the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework is provided below)
Valuing our people:
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Competitive salary
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Generous pension scheme
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A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus
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Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
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Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6) - Remove this bullet for SCS roles
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Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays
Want to make a difference? Find out more about the rewarding work that we do in ourcandidate pack.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
We want to make our recruitment process accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you, please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk
Working flexibly, delivering outcomes
GCA operates a smarter working model that balances flexibility with collaboration. Successful candidates are expected to spend at least 26 days per quarter (approximately 2 days per week, pro-rata) at their contracted office, another GCA site, or off-site for meetings. For the remainder of the time, you may work from home or another suitable location that meets business needs.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection Process
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview. Should you be placed on a reserve list and want to be removed please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk.
Please note that as part of this recruitment process, if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage but are close to the benchmark score you may be considered for and offered a role at a lower pay band within the same job family.
#GCAIND
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Complaints Procedure
Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles details of which can be found at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk in the first instance.
If you remain unsatisfied with the response you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk
Internal candidates should apply using their Workday account. Please use the careers hub for your application.
Commercial Practitioner in Liverpool employer: Crown Commercial Service
Crown Commercial Service is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor others while shaping impactful government services that enhance user experiences. Located in the UK, our inclusive culture and commitment to evidence-based design ensure that your contributions will be meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Practitioner in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out 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 culture. Understand their commercial agreements and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Highlight your commercial acumen and ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Practitioner in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Practitioner role. Highlight your experience in category management and supplier relationship management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since the role involves evaluating data from various digital systems, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have with data analysis. We love candidates who can identify trends and make informed decisions based on data, so let that shine through in your application!
Demonstrate Your Communication Skills:Effective communication is crucial for this position. Use your application to showcase how you've successfully communicated with different stakeholders in the past. We’re looking for someone who can adapt their style to suit the audience, so give us examples of how you’ve done this!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crown Commercial Service
✨Know Your Commercial Agreements
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of commercial agreements and category management. Understand how they work within the public sector and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in managing these agreements.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Supplier and customer relationship management is key for this role. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully built and maintained relationships, highlighting how you influenced buying behaviours and drove value for your previous employers.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves evaluating data to identify trends, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analysis to inform decisions. Be ready to discuss the tools you've used and how your insights led to improved outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this position. Think of examples where you've worked across teams or departments to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and how you adapt your style to suit different audiences.
