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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and drive efficiencies in a fast-paced digital environment.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, a key player in government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming digital services for millions across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial environments and a passion for innovation are essential.
- Other info: Great career growth potential and a supportive culture focused on development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provided pay range
Base pay range
Message from the Digital Category Deputy Director Peter Shirley
\”Digital Services is a fast-paced Category moving with the pace of the external market ensuring alignment with Digital innovation. This is an exciting time to join us and share the opportunity to make a difference\”
Digital Category procure the IT infrastructure, software, hardware, resource and outcome related services and anything further technology-related to support all of the DWP internal and external programmes and services. From buying laptops for DWP staff to supporting UK-wide work capability and health assessments, from data hosting to networks, we help source, procure and manage the Digital technology that underpins DWP’s vital services. We work closely with our Digital stakeholders, providing the commercial support and guidance to successfully deliver business outcomes.
Message from the Automated Buying, Business Services & External Resources (ABBSER) Category Deputy Director Liz Johnstone
\”As a newly formed category we have the alignment of expertise to deliver an exciting step change broadening our automated delivery model. We’re eager to welcome and develop commercially minded, self-driven individuals with a passion for delivering innovation in Commercial Automation & Consultancy, Professional & Business Services sectors\”
The External Resourcing team is one of the three ABBSER sub-category teams and has responsibility for sourcing and managing contracts that provide specialist Digital Data & Technology (DDaT) roles and specialist contractors, interim managers and agency workers for all departments in DWP. This ABBSER role is an opportunity to join the team at the early stages of a strategic review where we’re looking to drive efficiencies with consideration of contract consolidation and as such this is an exciting time to join the category.
What you can expect
If you like to be challenged, you’ll feel at home with us in CD as we’re one of the largest Government Commercial functions, with stretching challenges and opportunities created by using latest Digital innovations to build on our reputation for pushing the Governments agenda in making a difference to the lives of our Customers.
Two of these opportunities have arisen within Digital Workplace Function Services team and one further opportunity within Strategic Delivery and Core Operating Services Team
- Technology Services, Security, AI and Working Age Services
- Universal Credit, AI & Working Age Team, Hybrid Cloud and Security Services Team, Enterprise Software Solutions and Associated Services Team and Digital Workplace Function Services Team.
- Digital Modernisation, Strategic Services, Data Analytics and Digital Health
- Digital Modernisation & Efficiency Services Team, Fraud Error & Debt (FED), Strategic Delivery and Core Operating Services Team, Data & Analytics and Digital Health Services Team.
One other opportunity sits within the External Resourcing team, one of three sub-category teams that makes up the ABBSER category team.
1. Business Services team
2. Consultancy & Professional Services team
3. External Resourcing team
DWP require passionate and dynamic individuals who can deliver commercial solutions at pace. You will be required to provide commercial advice, guidance and a proportionate level of leadership within the commercial team, and with wider DWP stakeholders across a portfolio of Services in Digital Group and for the ABBSER post across DWP, working to challenging time scales delivering core services as well as supporting transformation activities.
You will be pro‑active and demonstrate commercial knowledge and understanding of the procurement process and alignment with Cabinet Office Sourcing Playbook and, work in accordance with the DWP commercial operating model. You will be motivated to achieve best value for money by implementing best practice commercial activity.
CD believe in supporting staff development and offer relevant training; all staff are expected to use at least five working days per year on development activities, balancing on the job learning with more traditional training courses. (A campaign reserve list could result in offered postings across the breadth of DWP CD categories).
Person specification
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is seeking candidates who possess demonstrable experience and skills acquired through time spent delivering results within a commercial environment.
Candidates\’ applications need to demonstrate their involvement in projects, contracts, or roles that required commercial acumen. This includes, but is not limited to, experience in procurement, supplier market insight, supplier management, contract negotiation, and/or financial oversight.
The roles and responsibilities for this position include but are not restricted to:
- Leading commercial activity for specific stakeholder initiatives across the full commercial end to end lifecycle (pre‑market engagement, sourcing, contract, performance and relationship management).
- Developing and maintaining commercial pipelines and plans to ensure sufficient time is given to commercial activity to ensure continuity of Services supporting business stakeholders in achieving their objectives.
- Undertaking and ensuring robust governance and assurance is conducted to meet audit and compliance requirements across the Department, Cabinet Office, Government Digital Services, Minister and Her Majesties Treasury and ensuring adherence to Government Commercial Operating Standards.
- Identifying opportunities and challenging the market to deliver added value through contracts, such as the achievement of social value initiatives.
- Identifying, contributing to and delivering commercial cost savings playing your part in achieving overarching targets across DWP and collectively in CD.
- Participating in, and driving improvement in, the in‑life management of contracts and suppliers.
- Promoting commercial best practice and DWP/Government commercial policies to stakeholders to maximise compliance.
- Maintaining auditable records of commercial activity on our eProcurement solution.
Click Apply for more details and read about benefits of working for DWP.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Accounting/Auditing, Administrative, and Management
Industries: Government Administration
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Associate Commercial Lead employer: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Contact Detail:
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Commercial Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former DWP employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in the Digital Category. Personal connections can give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding DWP's mission and values. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives through digital innovation. Tailor your answers to reflect this passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your commercial acumen! Brush up on procurement processes and be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in past roles. We want to see that you can think critically and deliver value in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at DWP.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Commercial Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and commercial activities, showing us how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of projects or contracts where you’ve demonstrated commercial acumen and delivered results.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon that might confuse us.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial knowledge, especially around procurement processes and the Cabinet Office Sourcing Playbook. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in contract negotiation and supplier management, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
The role is all about delivering innovation in Commercial Automation & Consultancy. Think of examples where you've implemented innovative solutions or improved processes in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just a fit for the job, but also genuinely excited about the work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver under pressure. Practice articulating how you would handle specific challenges related to commercial activities, such as managing contracts or ensuring compliance with government standards.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked effectively within teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve led initiatives or supported colleagues in achieving common goals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
