Job Title - Deputy Director - Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders
Salary - £101,000 - £131,000, GCO Pension, GCO Terms. Up to 20% performance-related-pay available on accreditation.
Locations -
Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Soapworks, Salford Quays, M5 3LZ
Liverpool, L3 9PP
Peterborough, PE2 8YY
South Yorkshire, S3 8NU
Digital, data and technology are crucial to the Home Office’s responsibility for securing the border, safer streets and national security. The Home Office is at the forefront of digital innovation. Our digital services have already transformed the public’s experiences through smoother UK border crossings, faster, more convenient passport applications, and technology-assisted policing. The Deputy Director Commercial is a senior leadership role within the Home Office Commercial function, responsible for shaping and delivering high-value commercial outcomes that support critical public services and national priorities. This role is key to support the next phase of the Home Office digital transformation.
You will lead a large, multidisciplinary commercial team (typically 40 colleagues across different locations and specialisms), providing clear direction, developing capability and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, efficient and compliant commercial services.
The role works across a diverse portfolio of contracts and programmes. This may include major outsourced services, complex service delivery contracts, professional services, and large-scale operational procurements that directly support frontline delivery. You will be accountable for overseeing significant commercial spend and ensuring suppliers deliver against agreed outcomes.
You will work closely with senior leaders across the Home Office, including policy, operational and finance teams, to ensure commercial strategies are aligned to business priorities. The role also involves direct engagement with key suppliers and partners, as well as collaboration with other government departments to share best practice and drive consistent standards.
A key focus of the role is strengthening how contracts and supplier relationships are managed. You will lead improvements in contract management capability, embed clear and consistent standards across teams, and drive a more structured, strategic approach to working with key suppliers.
Person specification
Typically, the key responsibilities in this role may include (but are not limited to):
- Provide clear strategic leadership across commercial activity, setting direction and ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned to organisational priorities.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team (typically 40 staff), building capability, supporting career development and creating an inclusive, high-expectation culture.
- Take overall accountability for a portfolio of complex, high-value contracts and commercial activity, ensuring delivery against agreed performance, cost and quality outcomes.
- Oversee and strengthen supplier relationships, driving improved performance, innovation and long-term value from key delivery partners.
- Act as the senior lead for contract management across the department, providing direction, setting expectations and ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach across both commercial and operational teams.
- Develop and embed a more structured approach to managing strategic suppliers, improving outcomes across delivery, cost control and risk management.
- Build strong, credible relationships with senior stakeholders across policy, operational and finance teams, influencing decisions and ensuring commercial considerations are fully integrated into business planning.
- Engage directly with senior representatives from key suppliers to resolve issues, improve performance and maintain effective, constructive partnerships.
- Ensure robust governance and assurance across all commercial activity, including effective risk management, compliance with relevant regulations and clear, evidence-based decision making.
- Identify and deliver practical improvements to commercial performance, including simplifying processes, improving ways of working and strengthening capability across teams.
- Champion consistent standards, best practice and continuous improvement in contract and supplier management across the organisation.
- Contribute to wider organisational transformation by improving how commercial services are delivered and supporting long-term capability development.
Key Objectives / Experience Required
- Significant experience of leading commercial delivery within complex digital, data and technology environments, with the ability to balance innovation, delivery and value for money.
- Strong understanding of government procurement practices, gained from either a supplier or client perspective
- Proven track record of delivering procurement and contract management activity within a complex and high-profile environment
- Ability to operate with strong judgement, influencing at senior levels and navigating complexity with confidence
Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders employer: Government Commercial Function
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead contract management in a dynamic environment focused on digital transformation within government. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive salaries, and performance-related pay, DSIT fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and impact, making it an ideal place for professionals eager to contribute to meaningful change in public services from vibrant locations like Manchester or Cardiff.
Contact Details:
Government Commercial Function Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Government Commercial Function are looking for when hiring for a Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Government Commercial Function for the Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Government Commercial Function as a Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Government Commercial Function’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head of Commercial Digital - Migration and Borders.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Government Commercial Function, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Government Commercial Function's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Government Commercial Function. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Government Commercial Function uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Government Commercial Function. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
