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- Tasks: Lead a team in procuring over £200 million of tech for HMRC's tax platforms.
- Company: Join HM Revenue & Customs, a key player in government administration.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while developing your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: MCIPS or equivalent experience in complex procurement environments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
HMRC is delighted to recruit 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 involves leading a team of six commercial professionals overseeing the procurement of over £200 million per year of testing and automation technology for HMRC’s tax platforms.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and provide direction for an overall category plan and future requirements, in conjunction with key stakeholders across all functions, overseeing the procurement process across the category scope.
- Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships across relevant business areas, providing focused commercial and category advice.
- Use commercial acumen and extensive category knowledge to influence business needs, organisational objectives, and policy, ensuring market and sector intelligence is maximised and emerging and/or innovative solutions and suppliers are considered for all commercial activities.
- Utilise a well‑established pipeline to proactively identify opportunities across micro and macro environments, driving improved value through innovative solutions.
- Work collaboratively with the business customer as a business partner and with colleagues in Commercial Contract Management to provide a seamless strategic commercial service that includes analysis to support make‑or‑buy decisions, market engagement and delivery of competitive processes used to select/appoint suppliers and award contracts for all goods and services.
Person Specification:
- MCIPS or equivalent professional experience.
- Driving and delivering the Category Strategy with end‑to‑end experience.
- Multiple category lifecycle experience within complex business environments.
- Develop specialist category knowledge of market, 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 the procurement process in relation to the category, including category‑specific pre‑market engagement.
- Adept at working in a complex stakeholder commercial environment as a trusted business advisor and partner.
- Balance commercial risks and opportunities, understand margins of error in developing recommendations for customers and key stakeholders.
- Experience in leading complex commercial activities across the commercial lifecycle.
- Experience in driving commercial strategies to deliver significant up‑skill and commercial benefit for an organisation.
- Ability to challenge senior stakeholder decisions, work under pressure, and deliver multiple projects within agreed timescales.
- Experience developing strategies for high‑value/risk, critical/complex procurements and playing a leading role in their implementation and end‑to‑end delivery.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Supply Chain
Industry: Government Administration
Associate Commercial Specialist employer: HM Revenue & Customs
Contact Detail:
HM Revenue & Customs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Commercial Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HMRC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching HMRC’s recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to procurement and stakeholder management. Let’s make sure we can confidently showcase our experience and skills that align with the Associate Commercial Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate our fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Commercial Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Commercial Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement and stakeholder management, as these are key for us at HMRC. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your MCIPS or equivalent experience and how you can drive our category strategy forward. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your commercial acumen and category knowledge. Talk about how you've influenced business needs and delivered value in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring innovative solutions to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at HMRC!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Revenue & Customs
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around testing and automation technology. Be ready to discuss how you've led category strategies in the past and how you can apply that experience to HMRC's needs.
✨Show Off Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strategic relationships with stakeholders. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and provide commercial advice, as this role heavily relies on collaboration across various functions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about how you've used market intelligence to drive value in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your insights led to innovative solutions or improved procurement processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex commercial activities and risk management. Practice articulating your thought process in challenging situations, especially when it comes to balancing risks and opportunities.