Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester
Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner)

Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage contracts and procurement processes to support national security efforts.
  • Company: Join MI5, the UK's intelligence agency dedicated to keeping the nation safe.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Unique role with opportunities for growth and diverse perspectives valued.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and a willingness to pursue a commercial qualification.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.

Closing Date - 23:00 on Monday 11th May 2026.

Corporate Services Flexible working: we recognise the importance of a healthy work‑life balance, which is why we offer flexible working options including flexitime, part‑time, full‑time, job share and compressed hours. Please note this role requires a minimum of three days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home one to two days per week. There will also be a requirement to travel to other locations as needed.

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.

A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security. We’re looking for procurement professionals with commercial acumen, a focus on customers, and the ability to build strong relationships to join us in a role as unique as our mission.

As our Procurement Manager, you’ll provide a responsive and efficient service in line with our commercial policy. As you create and manage contracts with internal and external partners, gather requirements and oversee tendering, you’ll identify substantial cost savings and value‑added interventions. In short, you’ll apply best practice commercial principles to all you do.

You’ll support on delivery across a range of departments, sharing your enthusiasm with a small team who you’ll motivate and help develop. And as you focus on continuous improvement of our working practices and approaches, you’ll make a genuine contribution to our ability to keep the UK, and its people, safe.

To apply, you’ll need to have worked in procurement and supply chain service and have experience in at least one of the following: contract management, sourcing, commercial policy and assurance, low value procurement or invoicing. You’ll also need to hold, or be willing to work towards, a professional commercial qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) Level 4 (or equivalent).

There’s no single “type” of person for this role. We value fresh ideas and different perspectives. With flexible working, learning opportunities and a supportive culture, you’ll have everything you need to build a rewarding career.

To work for us, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes.

A registration of interest does not constitute a job application, nor will such registration have any bearing upon the recruitment process itself. Any individuals who register their interest and who decide subsequently to apply for the Procurement Manager role will need to complete an application form once the window for applications has opened. Once the application window has opened, we will welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of their ethnic background, gender, disability, and/or any other characteristic(s). All applications will be assessed solely on merit.

Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester employer: GCHQ Careers

At MI5, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. As a Procurement Manager, you'll engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to the safety of the UK, while enjoying benefits such as flexible working arrangements, opportunities for continuous learning, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to make a real difference in national security and develop your career in a unique and challenging role.
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Contact Detail:

GCHQ Careers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at MI5 or similar organisations. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching MI5’s mission and values. Show us that you’re not just about procurement but also passionate about contributing to national security. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with our goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester

Commercial Acumen
Contract Management
Sourcing
Tendering
Cost Savings Identification
Value-Added Interventions
Continuous Improvement
Relationship Building
Team Motivation and Development
Professional Commercial Qualification (CIPS Level 4 or equivalent)
Procurement and Supply Chain Experience
Customer Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in procurement and supply chain services. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it’s cost savings or successful contract management, we want to see your impact!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at GCHQ Careers

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around contract management and sourcing. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your commercial acumen and how you've successfully managed contracts or identified cost savings.

✨Understand MI5's Mission

Familiarise yourself with MI5's role in national security and how procurement fits into that mission. Showing that you understand the importance of your role in supporting the organisation's objectives will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, highlighting your customer focus and ability to motivate a team.

✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions

Since this role involves flexible working, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and priorities effectively. Think about how you can balance office presence with remote work while still delivering results and contributing to continuous improvement.

Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent: Commercial Practitioner) in Manchester
GCHQ Careers
Location: Manchester

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