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, strong communication skills required.
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 Stoke-on-Trent 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 leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Newport, the office provides excellent facilities, including an onsite gym and a variety of support services, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
Contact Detail:
Intellectual Property Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement and commercial sectors, especially those who work at the IPO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
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 showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on procurement regulations and market trends. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to the IPO's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer - Newport in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you structure it around the essential criteria in the person specification. Use clear examples from your experience to show how you meet each requirement – this is where we want to see your personality and skills come through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We want to understand your experience and qualifications without having to decipher complex sentences. Remember, less is often more!
Show Off Your Procurement Knowledge:Since this role is all about procurement and contract management, make sure to highlight your relevant experience. Talk about specific projects or roles where you've successfully navigated procurement processes, and don’t forget to mention any knowledge of regulations like PCR 2015!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
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 role.
✨Show Off Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in the past. This role requires strong communication skills, so think about times when you influenced decisions or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Do some research on current market trends related to consultancy and professional services. Being able to talk about how these trends could impact procurement strategies will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the industry.
✨Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is key! Structure it around the essential criteria in the job description and provide clear examples of your experience in procurement and contract management. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
