Senior Commercial Business Partner in Newcastle upon Tyne

Department: IBCA - Infected Blood Compensation Authority

Location: Newcastle

Salary: £82,600 - £100,938. GCO Pension, GCO Terms. Up to 15% performance-related pay available on accreditation.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Commercial Business Partner to join our Commercial & Estates team. This is a crucial leadership role that will be responsible for providing expert procurement commercial advice, developing and implementing commercial strategies, and leading complex procurement activities that support the IBCA’s mission.

This role will work alongside commercial contract management colleagues to ensure that IBCA has access to the best possible commercial support internally. IBCA operates autonomously but must still adhere to the Procurement Act and overarching GCO guidance. IBCA has access to all CCS Frameworks, alongside additional routes to market to ensure delivery at pace and the highest levels of service are maintained.

This role will manage a team of procurement professionals delivering an enhanced level of support service to the business units within IBCA. The commercial procurement team are embedded in IBCA and are critical to ensure IBCA can continue delivering at pace in an incredibly dynamic environment. The team are responsible for delivering an end-to-end service to IBCA and run all procurement activities internally. IBCA leverage existing frameworks where suitable but also have the ability to choose alternative routes to market to ensure that deliverables and outcomes can be met.

This role will suit candidates with experience in both the public and private sector. Having an entrepreneurial nature and an ability to think outside the box will be key attributes for this role. Experience and/or understanding of operational delivery, finance and corporate services will also bring value and benefit to this role.

The post holder will act as the principal commercial advisor to the Deputy Director of Commercial and Estates and other senior leaders, ensuring all commercial activities are conducted in a compliant, efficient, and ethical manner while delivering maximum value for the taxpayer. They will be responsible for managing team resourcing, workload and also as a first point of escalation for procurement activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Commercial Leadership: Develop and implement the commercial strategy and service offer for IBCA, working closely with senior stakeholders to identify commercial needs and deliver innovative solutions.
• Procurement & Sourcing: Lead end-to-end procurement processes, from market engagement and specification development to tender evaluation, negotiation, and contract award, ensuring compliance with Public Contract Regulations.
• Contract & Supplier Management: Manage a portfolio of high-value and complex contracts, ensuring performance, mitigating risks, and fostering positive relationships with key suppliers.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders across the IBCA and with external partners, including suppliers and other government departments. Act as the primary point of contact for commercial matters.
• Financial & Risk Management: Provide robust commercial analysis and financial appraisal to inform business cases and decision-making. Proactively identify and manage commercial risks.
• Team Leadership: Support the development of a strong commercial capability within the IBCA, providing leadership, mentoring, and line management to team members.
• Commercial Advice: Provide expert, timely, and practical commercial advice on a range of procurement activities including digital/technology, financial services, legal services and professional services.

Membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent or willingness to work towards.

For further information, download the detailed candidate pack and to apply, please submit an application via Civil Service Jobs ref: 445500 before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 11th February 2026.