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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance professional services and drive efficiency in operations.
- Company: Join the Home Office, a key player in public service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Commercial Directorate manages the conduit between the Home Office and those supplier markets that help us provide key services to the public. It provides strategic commercial services such as market intelligence, procurement and contract management activities and its principal aims are to deliver efficiency savings, support the strategic agendas of our client groups by procuring the right products and services in a timely manner and dynamically managing contracts and suppliers, whilst delivering activities in a transparent and compliant manner.
As team lead for the Professional Services Team, you will draw on your commercial and leadership skills to drive the efficient and effective operation of this high demand category supporting Commercial Business Partner teams and the wider Home Office. You will be accountable for the day to day running of the sub teams who focus on:
- Contingent Labour & Agency Worker requests and governance
- Managed Services & Consultancy requests and governance
In addition, you will be responsible for setting up and embedding the new Post-award Assurance team which has been established to drive further value from high levels of spend on managed services and consultancy. While ensuring business as usual activities, much of the focus will be on driving continuous improvement including maximising opportunities for process improvements via Metis. You will also be the subject lead for the Commercial Transformation pilot category, working closely with strategy colleagues to shape the team and adapt processes in line with best practice.
You will be responsible for the transition from the Public Sector Resources framework to the Workforce Solutions framework, working with the team to introduce new service lines and minimise the impact of any changes.
Person specification
Transform the Professional Services Team service offering to harness the use of automation and provide an upfront triage service to challenge and route customer requirements appropriately, in a way that reduces risk for and drives value the Home Office. Accountable for delivering an effective Professional Services operation focused on governance, advice and delivering value for money.
Regularly advise Chief Commercial Officer and DG Corporate & Delivery on Contingent Labour, Managed Service and Consultancy requirements which breach Home Office thresholds. Lead and coach a team of 12 colleagues to deliver a high profile and high demand category with a focus on advising on best practice and ensuring governance is followed, always considering process improvements. This will include establishing the Post-award Assurance Team and onboarding new team members.
You will lead delivery of a range of outputs during this assignment period. Priority areas of focus during the next 6-12 months are:
- Timely transition to the Workforce Solutions framework, ensuring all approval requirements are met and the impact of any changes are minimised.
- Team lead for the Professional Services Category Strategy project – working with the Category Lead and Transformation Director to develop the Strategy and put in place processes to move to new ways of working.
- Tracking and reporting against the 50% Consultancy spend target including providing regular updates to senior officials and Ministers, taking forward the action plan to reduce spend. Manage and communicate potential directives from the Cabinet Office.
- Maintain the currency of guidance and processes, including launching new policies for Contingent Labour and Agency Workers.
- Roll out of the new automation tool for Contingent Labour and Agency Workers.
- Further enhance strategic supplier relationship management with the category’s key suppliers.
- Building successful relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers to resolve issues, promote the work of the Professional Services team, and instil confidence in the team’s ability to deliver and meet business needs.
- Representing Professional Services at internal and external Boards including Strategic Supplier meetings; Productivity & Efficiency Board and cross-Government meetings.
For further role information, download the detailed candidate pack and to apply, please submit an application via Civil Service Jobs ref: 446785 before 11:55 pm on Thursday 19th February 2026.
Associate Commercial Specialist - Professional Service Team - Operations in Manchester 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 - Professional Service Team - Operations in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Associate Commercial Specialist gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Home Office and its operations. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around procurement and contract management. This will help us show how you can add value to the Professional Services Team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role. Focus on your commercial and leadership experience, and how you can drive efficiency and improvements within the team. Confidence is key!
✨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 - Professional Service Team - Operations in Manchester
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. We want to see how you can drive efficiency and support our strategic agendas!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've coached or managed teams in the past, especially in high-demand environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement, contract management, and market intelligence. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the commercial sector, especially those relevant to the Home Office. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential team lead, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing others, as well as any process improvements you've implemented.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, especially around governance and compliance. Think about challenges you might face in the role and prepare your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Don't underestimate the power of a good connection! Be personable and engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team's dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture is a good fit for you.
