At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a procurement team managing over £200m in technology for HMRC.
- Company: Join HM Revenue & Customs, a key player in UK government operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential contract extension, and impactful work.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and innovative team.
- Why this job: Be part of transformational tech change in a complex government environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPS or equivalent experience required; strong leadership and commercial skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Associate Commercial Specialist role at HM Revenue & Customs. Locations: Manchester, Liverpool or Telford. Length: 4 months contract with potential to be extended to 6 months. Salary: Competitive.
HMRC are recruiting an Interim Associate Commercial Specialist within the Commercial directorate to lead the Digital Service and Testing Applications procurement team. The role reports to the Deputy Commercial Director for IT and leads a procurement team of 6 commercial professionals, responsible for the commercial strategy, implementation, and ongoing procurement of over £200m per year of testing and automation technology to support HMRC’s tax platforms. These procurements range from highly complex and mission critical services to transactional procurements. You will develop the core team, lead procurement and sourcing activity, refresh the category strategy, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders in HMRC’s CDIO technology Division.
HMRC’s commercial team consists of 250 people across Category Management and Sourcing, Contract Management and Strategic Sourcing. This role sits within the pre-award IT Applications team in the Category Management and Sourcing section. It is one of four pre-award teams, alongside IT Infrastructure, People and Professional Services, and Corporate Services. The IT Applications team covers Customer Engagement technology, Digital, Service and Testing applications, and Core business Applications and Innovation. This team includes 24 staff and support from 3rd party and internal HMRC resources for key programmes.
If you want to support one of the most complex Government departments, delivering transformational technology change through your commercial expertise to deliver the UK’s Government missions, we would be delighted to talk to you.
Reporting to a Commercial Deputy Director, you will lead a portfolio of IT Applications commercial specialists with a team of 6 sourcing specialists: 2 Commercial Leads, 2 Senior Executive Officers, and 1 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Executive Officer.
You will be accountable for the overall category strategy to deliver innovative, competitive, and compliant commercial outcomes aligned to HMRC objectives and maximise value for money. You will develop trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, particularly in HMRC’s CDIO technology Division. As part of the Extended Senior Leadership Team, you will provide leadership to your Category Team and the wider Commercial Directorate, and support talent development.
Role responsibilities
- Lead and provide direction for an overall category plan and future requirements, in conjunction with key stakeholders across functions, overseeing the procurement process across the category scope.
- Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships, providing focused commercial and category advice.
- Influence business needs, organisational objectives, and policy using commercial acumen and category knowledge; maximise market intelligence and consider innovative suppliers and solutions for all commercial activities.
- Identify opportunities across micro and macro environments to drive improved value through innovative solutions.
- Collaborate with the business customer as a partner and with Commercial Contract Management to provide a seamless strategic commercial service, including analysis to support make-or-buy decisions, market engagement, and delivery of competitive processes to select/appoint suppliers and award contracts for goods and services.
Person Specification / Qualifications
- MCIPS or equivalent professional experience.
- Driving and delivering the Category Strategy with end-to-end ownership across multiple category lifecycles in complex environments.
- Develop specialist knowledge of markets, suppliers, commercial models and value levers; ensure procurements comply with HMG & HMRC policies and regulations.
- Strong team leadership, stakeholder relationship management, risk management and planning skills; oversee procurement processes within the category including category-specific pre-market engagement.
- Ability to work in a complex stakeholder environment as a trusted advisor and partner.
- Ability to balance commercial risks and opportunities and understand margins of error in recommendations for customers and stakeholders.
- Experience leading complex commercial activities across the full commercial lifecycle; drive strategies delivering significant upskilling and commercial benefit.
- Ability to challenge senior stakeholders, work under pressure, and deliver multiple projects within agreed timescales.
- Experience developing strategies for high-value/risk, critical/complex procurements and leading end-to-end delivery of these initiatives.
Seniority and Employment
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Contract
- Job function: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at HM Revenue & Customs.
Associate Commercial Specialist in Manchester employer: HM Revenue & Customs
HM Revenue & Customs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester, Liverpool, or Telford, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of government procurement. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while contributing to significant projects that impact the UK’s tax systems. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to innovation and excellence in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Commercial Specialist in Manchester
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like HM Revenue & Customs.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Commercial Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to HM Revenue & Customs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to HM Revenue & Customs. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like HM Revenue & Customs.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Revenue & Customs
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at HM Revenue & Customs!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at HM Revenue & Customs. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into HM Revenue & Customs's culture.
