At a Glance
- 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
HM Revenue & Customs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As an Associate Commercial Specialist, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and provides opportunities to lead significant procurement initiatives within the government sector. With a focus on strategic stakeholder relationships and a commitment to delivering value, HMRC empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Commercial Specialist
✨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
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.
