At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Commercial team in developing innovative procurement strategies and managing key stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join DBS, a vital government agency focused on safeguarding and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunity for remote, hybrid, or office work with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial leadership and strategic procurement; CIPS Level 6 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 74061 - 79037 £ per year.
DBS was established under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on 1 December 2012, working from two sites, Liverpool and Darlington. We operate on behalf of government delivering Disclosure functions in England, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and Barring functions for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We provide a service that enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make better informed, safer recruitment and other decisions.
Our current Strategy sets out our purpose, vision, and the impacts we want to achieve. Everything that we do within DBS is underpinned by constant considerations of safeguarding, quality, sustainability, value for money, and diversity and inclusion. Our strategic objectives aim to enhance our effectiveness, influence, and customer satisfaction while fostering a supportive environment for everyone.
The post of Associate Director - Commercial (Technology and Innovation) is primarily responsible for leading the T&I Contracts side of the Commercial team and for partnering with stakeholders across the organisation to understand the business needs. As a key member of the Finance and Commercial Leadership team, the post holder will work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure customer and stakeholder needs are met, and that all commercial activity is delivered compliantly with public accountability expectations, the procurement regulations, government policy and professional standards.
You will play a pivotal role in the development of the DBS Commercial Roadmap and associated Category plans, to support delivery of the DBS 2028 Strategy and will lead and support a team of 7 in implementing a T&I Commercial Business Partnering Model.
Duties:
- Build and maintain influential relationships with senior stakeholders across DBS, the Home Office, Cabinet Office and wider government commercial community.
- Develop and deliver the DBS Commercial Roadmap, category strategies and multi-year procurement plans aligned to organisational objectives.
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to a team of commercial professionals, developing capability and commercial expertise.
- Drive market intelligence, category knowledge and innovative commercial approaches to deliver improved business outcomes.
- Lead complex procurements across multiple categories, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, governance and assurance requirements.
- Develop procurement strategies, negotiate contract terms and lead market engagement activities to deliver category objectives.
- Identify, manage and mitigate commercial, supplier and contractual risks, escalating issues appropriately to senior stakeholders.
- Oversee the full commercial lifecycle, including planning, tendering, evaluation, governance, award and contract mobilisation.
- Ensure robust commercial pipelines, savings delivery, supplier relationship management and resolution of escalated contractual issues.
- Champion compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, government commercial standards and pan-government commercial objectives and best practice.
The Successful Applicant:
- Ability to design strategic MI required from a variety of sources for the purposes of DBS/Supplier meetings/negotiations and DBS, HO and CO governance.
- Skilled in understanding senior stakeholders MI needs.
- Skilled at balancing conflicting demands; to prioritise strategically to ensure DBS strategic objectives and corporate priorities are met.
- Effectively communicates with all levels of stakeholders both within DBS; with suppliers and with broader government; able to influence Senior Stakeholders.
- Able to flex leadership and communication style in line with strategic situational leadership thinking.
- Resilient under pressure able to work alone on strategic priorities/outcomes and/or lead the team to deliver successful outcomes at pace.
- Strategically led complex portfolios/programmes involving novel and non-standard commercial and contractual mechanisms.
- Experience in leading the most strategic and key procurements and contracts for an organisation.
- Experience in building optimal relationships with all levels of stakeholders and the most senior managers across the organisation and across government.
- Experienced in developing and leading multiple teams to support organisational delivery.
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) membership, qualified to Level 6 Diploma.
What's on Offer:
- Salary - £74,061 - £79,037
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Excellent maternity, paternity and adoption schemes (after a qualifying period)
- Commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Eyecare voucher scheme
- Occupational Health Service including referrals for counselling and physiotherapy
- 24/7 Counselling and Wellbeing Service
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- This role is available on a remote, hybrid, or office basis.
Associate Director of Commercial in Birkenhead employer: DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE
At the Disclosure & Barring Service, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values integrity and collaboration. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to transparency ensures that every employee's contributions are recognised and valued. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in public service, all while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Commercial in Birkenhead
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