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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing procurement for innovative building projects.
- Company: Join Defra, a forward-thinking organisation focused on sustainability and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental sustainability while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 82600 - 100938 £ per year.
Salary - £82,600 - £100,938 + up to 15% PRP (on GCO Terms)
Locations - Birmingham B3 1AQ, London SW1P 4DF, Reading RG1 8DQ, Weybridge KT15 3DH, Bristol BS1 5AH, Peterborough PE2 8YY
Defra has an exciting ambition to deliver on four priority outcomes:
- The Environment: improving the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste and thriving plants and terrestrial and marine wildlife.
- Net Zero: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon storage in the agricultural, waste, peat and tree planting sectors to help deliver net zero.
- Floods and resilience: reducing likelihood and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on people, businesses, communities and the environment.
- Agriculture, food, fisheries, animal welfare and biosecurity: increasing the sustainability, productivity and resilience of agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhancing biosecurity and raising animal welfare standards.
The successful candidate will undertake a senior role responsible for effective spend management through innovation and transformation in order to meet the Defra strategic outcomes and the Weybridge Operating Model to ensure resilience of the building and laboratory assets at Weybridge.
The Buildings team, including Building Science, are responsible for c£350m spend per annum across multiple sub-categories including construction, construction related professional services, facilities management, utilities, estates management and sustainable power (EV charging, Solar PV etc.)
The Defra and ALB estate is made up of offices, operational depots, fisheries, the Thames Barrier, high containment science laboratories, EU Exit border control posts (BCP’s) and Natural England visitor centers. The Science team are responsible for the capital delivery of the science estate to maintain operation of the Weybridge site and other regional laboratories, whilst NBC is in development including maintenance, refurbishments, extension of building life and adaptations.
The Senior Category Manager role will report directly to the Head of Category and will have the following capabilities and responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate and manage a professional commercial team to deliver corporate outcomes and to ensure continuous improvement in the field of procurement.
- Lead on the development of team members ensuring that agreed targets are met.
- Lead on commercial engagement on major projects and prescribed expenditure sub-categories or specialisms, leading on the end to end commercial DNA process on behalf of customers.
- Lead by example in our approach to sustainability and communicating its importance, influencing others to improve their approach.
- Provide strategic leadership on supplier relationship and contract management to deliver customer outcomes whilst recognising the importance of the supplier’s commercial drivers / objectives.
- Effectively influence customers across the network to deliver value for money, achieving savings targets and sustainable outcomes in the procurement of works, goods and services.
- Drive and promote DGC’s capability to key stakeholders such as Ministers, Directors and senior management peers to ensure commercial best practice is applied and is able to influence strategic decision-making.
- Promote commercial principles within the Defra network and wider Government, influencing where appropriate.
- Lead on Lean procurement to reduce unnecessary complexity thereby reducing inefficiency and cost, while increasing the quality of commercial outcomes.
- Provide expert advice on commercial risk management and deliver mitigation plans / strategies to manage identified risks at corporate level.
- Enable customer directorates to develop their commercial capability.
- Influence on driving innovation into the network.
For further information, please go to CS JOBS - ref number 444464. Please be aware that Linked In easy apply will not be accepted and only applications submitted via CS jobs will be considered. Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 8th February 2026.
Senior Commercial Manager – Buildings Science employer: Government Commercial Function
Contact Detail:
Government Commercial Function Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager – Buildings Science
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their goals, especially around sustainability and innovation, so you can show how you align with their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect their priorities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager – Buildings Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and sustainability, as these are key areas for us at Defra. Show how your skills align with our mission to improve the environment and achieve net zero.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a professional commercial team, it’s essential to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. We want to see how you can inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through the CS Jobs website, so don’t try to use LinkedIn easy apply. Make sure you submit your application before the deadline on Sunday 8th February 2026. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Function
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Senior Commercial Manager in Buildings Science. Familiarise yourself with Defra's priorities, especially around sustainability and procurement. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show you're the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a professional commercial team, be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and influence others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to procurement and supplier management. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex situations and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Given the focus on sustainability in this role, come prepared with ideas on how to integrate sustainable practices into procurement processes. Discuss any relevant projects you've worked on that align with Defra's environmental goals to show your commitment to their mission.
