At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative commercial strategies in IT Infrastructure.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within HMRC, focused on networks and cyber security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related pay, and excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: MCIPS or equivalent experience in category management required.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (Salford), Telford, Leeds, Liverpool, London (Stratford)
Salary: £82,600 - £100,938. GCO Pension, GCO Terms. Up to 15% performance-related pay available on accreditation.
Reporting to a Commercial Deputy Director, you will lead a portfolio of IT Infrastructure commercial specialists with a team of 7 sourcing specialists, consisting of 2 Commercial Leads, 2 Senior Executive Officers, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 2 Executive Officers.
You will be accountable for the overall category strategy ensuring that it delivers innovative, competitive, and compliant commercial outcomes that are aligned to HMRC objectives and maximise value for money.
You will also develop highly effective and trusted relationships with key senior internal and external stakeholders, most specifically in HMRC's CDIO technology Division. As part of the Extended Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for providing leadership to your Category Team and wider Commercial Directorate, whilst taking a proactive approach in talent development within your area of responsibility and beyond.
Role responsibilities include:
- Lead and provide direction for an overall category plan and future requirements, in conjunction with key stakeholders across all functions, overseeing the procurement process across the category scope.
- Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships across relevant business areas providing focused commercial and category advice.
- Using commercial acumen and extensive category knowledge, influence business needs, organisational objectives, and policy, ensuring market and sector intelligence is maximised and emerging and/or innovative solutions and suppliers are considered for all commercial activities.
- Using a well-established pipeline, proactively identify opportunities across micro and macro environments, which are then to drive improved value through innovative solutions.
- Working collaboratively with the business customer, as a business partner and with our colleagues in Commercial Contract Management to provide a seamless strategic commercial service that includes analysis to support make or buy decisions, market engagement/development and delivery of the competitive processes used to select/appoint suppliers and award contracts for all goods and services.
Person specification:
- MCIPS or equivalent professional experience.
- Driving and leading delivery of the Category Strategy, you will have end-to-end multiple category lifecycle experience within complex business environments.
- Develop specialist category knowledge of market, suppliers, commercial models and value levers as well as responsibility for ensuring procurements comply with HMG & HMRC policies and regulations.
- Demonstrate strong team leadership, stakeholder relationship management, risk management and planning skills.
- Responsible for overseeing the procurement process in relation to the category including Category specific pre-market engagement.
For further information, download the detailed candidate pack and to apply, please submit an application via Civil Service Jobs ref: 445061 before 11:55 pm on Monday 9th February 2026.
Associate Commercial Specialist – Networks and Cyber Security in London employer: Government Commercial Function
Contact Detail:
Government Commercial Function Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Commercial Specialist – Networks and Cyber Security in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that Associate Commercial Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to networks and cyber security, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their objectives. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. This is key for a role that involves managing a team of sourcing specialists.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Commercial Specialist – Networks and Cyber Security in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Associate Commercial Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, as this will resonate well with us.
Highlight Stakeholder Relationships: Building strong relationships is key in this role. Be sure to mention any relevant experience you have in managing stakeholder relationships, especially in complex environments. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the category strategy and procurement processes relevant to Networks and Cyber Security. Research current trends, key suppliers, and innovative solutions in the market. This will help you demonstrate your commercial acumen during the interview.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Since this role involves developing strategic stakeholder relationships, try to connect with current employees or industry professionals beforehand. This can give you insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can reference in your interview to show your proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your team leadership and stakeholder management experience. Think about specific situations where you successfully led a team or influenced business needs. This will help you illustrate your capability to lead the Category Team effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive value through innovative solutions. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in response to hypothetical situations related to procurement and category management.