At a Glance
- Tasks: Support public spending through effective procurement and contract management.
- Company: Join the Intellectual Property Office, a key player in public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 32816 - 32816 € 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
Essential Criteria:
- 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.
How to Apply:
Click the 'Apply now' button and complete the application form by providing the following: 750-word Personal Statement. Use this to explain why you're suitable for the role. Structure your statement around the essential criteria in the Person Specification. Make sure to provide clear examples to show how you meet each requirement.
For further information on the sift and interview stages of this recruitment campaign, please head to our 'Things you need to know' section below.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.
Commercial Officer - Newport in Ballymena employer: Intellectual Property Office
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in the Newport office. The IPO also provides unique benefits such as access to an onsite gym, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
Intellectual Property Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement and commercial sectors, especially those who work with the IPO. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your procurement knowledge. Familiarise yourself with public procurement regulations and the IPO Spend Policy. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your relationship-building skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. This is key for the Commercial Officer role, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer - Newport in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Statement:When writing your 750-word personal statement, make it all about you! Use clear examples to show how your experience aligns with the essential criteria. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t hold back!
Stick to the Structure:Structure is key! Make sure your statement flows logically by addressing each point in the person specification. This helps us easily see how you meet the requirements and keeps your application organised.
Be Specific and Relevant:Avoid vague statements. Instead, provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in procurement, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. We love a good story that highlights your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intellectual Property Office
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public procurement regulations, especially PCR 2015 and PA23. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the compliance side of things, which is crucial for a Commercial Officer.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in the past. This role requires strong communication and influencing skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you've navigated complex situations and resolved issues effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and potential suppliers relevant to the People Services category. Showing that you can conduct market analysis and understand sourcing decisions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Since this role involves maintaining accurate records and managing contracts, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Share specific examples where your attention to detail has made a difference in your previous roles.
