At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with stakeholders to design and execute procurement strategies for professional services.
- Company: Join Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by supporting affordable housing initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in public procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Closing Date: 08/07/2026 at 23:59
Interviews will take place week commencing 13/07/2026.
We have 2 full-time vacancies.
A bit about the role…
Working with the Senior Specialist for Professional Services, the Specialist will play a critical role in collaborating with key business stakeholders on a wide range of commercial matters. Collaborating with stakeholders across the business, you will design and execute procurement strategies for contracts under PA2023 and PCR 2015. The role will support the procurement and management of contracts relating to professional services, ranging from technical to property and finance professional services. You will be joining our small but friendly and highly skilled team, who work collaboratively within a devolved procurement model providing oversight and enabling support to the business. The Commercial team is dedicated to delivering a first-class customer service, taking an innovative and creative approach to commercial and procurement processes. We believe in working in a collaborative way and value diversity in experience and perspective to foster good decision making and problem solving within our team. There are some exciting and ambitious projects to get involved with and this is an excellent opportunity to balance day to day delivery whilst bringing innovative solutions to the commercial team’s offering.
A bit about you…
You'll be comfortable working collaboratively with key business stakeholders across directorates and external partners on a wide range of commercial matters relating to Professional Services. You will have experience of analysing complex information to make informed strategic commercial decisions. You will also have experience in giving commercial advice to stakeholders and be able to put technical considerations in plain language. Delivering on a mission as bold as ours isn’t always easy. You will be resilient and comfortable managing stakeholders at a senior level and below, and your discussions will always be shaped by a good understanding of the commercial and operational impact of what we do as a commercial team. You will also be able to adapt to different environments and be proactive in highlighting commercial risks and ensure that they are mitigated where possible.
The key skills and knowledge we are looking for are:
- Procurement professional experience in public procurement
- Experience of supporting complex multi-stage procurement processes, such as establishing a framework or outsourcing service delivery
- A relevant professional qualification (MCIPS or equivalent or willing/currently working towards)
- Good understanding of contract management best practice
- Good experience of ensuring and supporting procurement compliance
Desirable skills and knowledge we are looking for are:
- An additional relevant professional qualification (ACCA, MIIA, CCAB, RICS, existing ADC) is desirable, as is a qualification or specific training or professional experience in disciplines relevant to property, regeneration or housing
- Category experience in professional services
Who are we?
Homes England: The Housing and Regeneration Agency. We believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people’s lives. As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we create thriving new places and transform urban areas, combining the full breadth of our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more homes built.
How? We form long-term partnerships that bridge the gap between the public and private sector to meet local needs and aspirations. We use our influence to champion the creation of sustainable homes, communities and places that are brilliantly designed for the people that live there now, and in the future. And we use our funding and support to build a more resilient, diverse and innovative housing sector, helping new entrants in the market, encouraging modern methods of construction and design, and promoting the utmost attention to building safety. Together with our partners, we’re accelerating the pace of house building, remediation and regeneration across the country, as we seek to deliver ever more affordable homes in places people are proud to call home for generations to come.
What we offer...
As well as a competitive salary and 33 days annual leave, we are committed to 50/50 hybrid working. We’ll support you, wherever possible, so that you don’t miss out on what matters to you. Membership of the Homes and Communities Agency Pension Scheme, which is a contributory defined benefit scheme with the amount you receive on retirement based on your salary and years worked at the Agency. Internal applicants: please note that if you are successful, the salary you are offered will be in accordance with our pay policy. You can find details on the HR Hub SharePoint site. If you ever need a bit of extra help, we have a great employee assistance programme, a wide range of healthcare plans, financial wellbeing support and access to many great discounts with leading high street names. Our range of network groups are also there to support you to be yourself at work and play a key role in helping shape our future. If you are a member of a professional body, we’ll pay for your membership and once you get your digital kit, you’ll be good to go.
Homes England are a geographically diverse community. We work to a 50/50 office/home based model. Moving back into our office environments has enabled us to utilise our space and time together in the most collaborative way. We’re a diverse team of more than 1,000 professionals spanning 17 professions, helping Homes England to be effective, efficient and deliver for communities. Our people remain at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to building an Agency that not only reflects the diverse communities we serve, but also champions inclusion in how we shape homes and places across the country.
You will be required to have the Right to Work in the UK and Homes England do not offer visa sponsorship. If your application is shortlisted to interview we will require you to provide proof of your Right to Work in the UK at this stage.
Commercial Specialist - Professional Services in Birmingham employer: Homes England
Homes England is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, 33 days of annual leave, and a supportive hybrid working model. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to engage in meaningful projects that directly impact communities and contribute to the creation of affordable homes. With access to extensive employee benefits, including healthcare plans and professional development support, you'll find a rewarding environment that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Specialist - Professional Services in Birmingham
✨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 Homes England.
✨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 Commercial Specialist - Professional Services in Birmingham
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 Homes England:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Homes England. 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 Homes England.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homes England
✨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 Homes England!
✨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 Homes England. 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 Homes England's culture.
