At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and contract management while ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the Intellectual Property Office's dynamic Commercial team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement and build valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Commercial team supports the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to spend public money responsibly through effective procurement, contract management and supplier management. A key part of the role is ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and the IPO Spend Policy. Commercial is split into three category teams: DDaT contracts, People Services contracts and Corporate contracts. This post sits within the People Services category team, providing commercial advice and support across the IPO. The portfolio includes Consultancy and Professional Services, Human Resources, Resourcing, and Learning and Development.
You will contribute to all aspects of public buying activity, including procurement, contract and supplier management, and the maintenance of commercial records and data. We are looking for a proactive self-starter who works well with others, communicates clearly and has strong attention to detail. You will lead and support activities across the IPO’s buying process, helping ensure business needs are met through compliant and effective commercial approaches. You’ll use your procurement knowledge while building and maintaining strong working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
Working Style
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport Office. The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.
Main duties consist of but are not limited to:
- Procurement and contract management
- Lead and support the full procurement lifecycle, from identifying needs and drafting tender documentation through to contract award and ongoing contract management.
- Support the development and delivery of procurement strategies that achieve value for money and comply with organisational policies and procedures.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with public procurement legislation, regulations and organisational guidance.
- Stakeholder engagement and supplier management
- Advise internal stakeholders on compliant routes to market, providing clear guidance on commercial options and requirements.
- Build and manage relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, resolving issues promptly and maintaining effective communication.
- Support supplier performance reviews to confirm delivery against contract terms and identify improvement actions.
- Financial and risk management
- Identify, assess and help manage commercial risks linked to contracts and supplier performance.
- Monitor and report on procurement spend, supporting budget management and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Policy, governance and compliance
- Ensure procurement activity aligns with organisational policies and procedures and complies with public procurement regulations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activity, contracts and suppliers in line with audit and compliance requirements.
- Market analysis and continuous learning
- Undertake market research to identify potential suppliers and understand market trends to inform sourcing decisions.
- Keep up to date with changes in procurement regulations, market conditions and best practice.
- Process improvement
- Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools and templates to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to innovate and add value within commercial and procurement activities.
- Commercial administration
- Use the e-tendering system to publish tenders.
- Maintain contract and purchase order information in the e-tendering system.
- Approve Requests to Purchase (RTP) within the purchase-to-pay (P2P) process.
Person specification
- Experience in a procurement or commercial role, ideally within the public sector or another regulated environment.
- Experience of contract management.
- An understanding of central government frameworks and how to use them.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and influence stakeholders.
- Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload with minimal supervision.
- Experience using procurement systems (for example, e-tendering systems).
- Knowledge of PCR 2015 and PA23 regulations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Locations
Commercial Officer in Newport, Wales employer: Intellectual Property Office UK
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, the IPO provides opportunities for growth through continuous learning and professional training, all while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with hybrid working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in public procurement while enjoying a supportive culture that values compliance, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
Contact Detail:
Intellectual Property Office UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer in Newport, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the IPO and its procurement processes. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to procurement and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer in Newport, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Commercial Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Procurement Knowledge:Since this role involves procurement and contract management, be sure to include any relevant experience or knowledge you have in these areas. Mention specific examples where you've successfully navigated procurement processes or managed contracts.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills:We value strong communication and relationship-building skills. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders or suppliers in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Intellectual Property Office UK
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement regulations, especially PCR 2015 and PA23. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show you understand the compliance aspect of the job.
✨Show Off Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decisions, as this is key for the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since attention to detail is crucial, be prepared to discuss how you've managed contracts and procurement records accurately. You might even want to bring a sample of your work or a case study to illustrate your point.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement scenarios or challenges. Think through potential issues you might face in the role and how you'd resolve them, showcasing your proactive approach.
