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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement and contracts while building relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join the Government Property Agency, the largest property holder in government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to drive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transformational programmes and modern real estate solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and influence in government projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Department: Government Property Agency (GPA)
Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester
The Government Property Agency is the largest property holder in government, with more than £2.1 billion in property assets and over 55% of the government’s office estate. Representing the best covenant in the UK – His Majesty’s Government – we are leading transformational programmes such as the Government Hubs Programme, Whitehall Campus Programme and Net Zero Programme, as well as delivering modern, cost-effective real estate service solutions.
The Commercial Lead is responsible for managing procurement and contracts for the area. This requires building relationships with senior stakeholders across teams to ensure alignment and resource management. This will include creating joint business cases, developing specifications and bid packs and working closely to identify the most appropriate route to market for requirements. The Commercial Lead is also responsible for ensuring the appropriate governance has been completed before procurement activity and contract award, providing advice to stakeholders on the scope of the governance required and ensuring relevant approvers are engaged in the process.
The role requires consistent maintenance of the contracts pipeline and procurement system to ensure effective data and accurate reporting on spend and commitments for the team. There is opportunity to drive change for the GPA through the centrality of the role, and the ability to build subject-matter expertise on niche and strategic areas of GPA delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively manage the COO and Finance contract pipelines
- Regularly engage with senior stakeholders to assess delivery of existing contracts and managing future requirements.
- Lead on end-to-end procurement activity for any requirements that emerge in the COO and Finance teams. This may include the use of frameworks and competitive procedures under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Work closely with stakeholders from across teams to develop requirements and identify appropriate sourcing routes along with complete bid packs that are proportionate to requirements.
- Build relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent delivery and performance management.
- Line management of team members, including fast stream placements, building commercial acumen and confidence in the commercial lifecycle.
- Contribute to commercial policy and lead on relevant policy development for the GPA Commercial team, in collaboration with the Commercial Policy team, to provide insights on procurement processes and practical guidance for use in live procurements.
- Input into reporting requirements to build and manage commercial data and ensure compliance across the contract portfolio.
- Represent the commercial team at forums, working groups and away days, creating visibility and engagement from GPA teams.
Please submit an application via Civil Service Jobs. A detailed candidate pack is also available. Closing date is before 11:55 pm on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
Commercial Lead / Category Lead employer: Government Commercial Function
Contact Detail:
Government Commercial Function Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead / Category Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially in procurement and contract management. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Commercial Lead role. Focus on your achievements in managing contracts and stakeholder relationships to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead / Category Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Commercial Lead. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the GPA and the role. Use examples from your past that showcase your ability to manage procurement and build relationships with stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity over fluff. Make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the point about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Commercial Lead role. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in a procurement or contract context.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
The GPA is looking for someone who can drive change. Be ready to discuss any experiences where you've led transformational programmes or improved processes. Highlight your ability to adapt and innovate in a commercial environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the GPA's current projects, challenges, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.