At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage a dynamic team to support IBCA's mission.
- Company: Join the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, a vital public sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related pay, and GCO pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role while driving innovative commercial solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 82600 - 100938 £ per year.
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.
Senior Commercial Business Partner employer: Government Commercial Function
Contact Detail:
Government Commercial Function Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Commercial Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. We want you to walk in there feeling confident and ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving commercial strategies. We need to see that you can lead the procurement activities and support the IBCA’s mission effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our dynamic team at IBCA!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commercial Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in procurement and commercial strategies, and show us how you can bring value to IBCA.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading a team and managing complex procurement activities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and let us see your entrepreneurial spirit shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see your skills without wading through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via Civil Service Jobs as mentioned in the job posting. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Know Your Commercial Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of commercial strategies and procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented these in past roles, especially in dynamic environments like IBCA.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Commercial Business Partner, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, how you manage workloads, and how you mentor team members. This will demonstrate your capability to support and develop a strong commercial team.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with effective stakeholder management techniques. Be prepared to share experiences where you've built relationships with internal and external partners, and how you navigated complex commercial matters to deliver value.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since this role involves adhering to the Procurement Act and GCO guidance, expect questions about compliance. Think of scenarios where you've ensured compliance in procurement activities and how you managed risks while delivering results.