Commercial and Assurance Specialist in London

It’s an exciting time in the Commercial and Assurance team at Islington Council. As part of the Community Wealth Building directorate, we are strengthening our Commercial and Assurance function with a newly restructured team. As a Commercial and Assurance Specialist within our Progressive Procurement service, you’ll play a pivotal role in transforming how we use our commercial expertise to improve our services and drive positive change through innovative processes.

About the Role

We’re looking for a driven individual to join our friendly and ambitious Commercial and Assurance team at Islington Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to help us realise our ambition of becoming a centre of excellence in commercial and assurance practice. As a key member of our team, you’ll support and deliver a range of commercial and assurance projects that drive value for money, transparency, and social impact across the council. You’ll work closely with colleagues from across the organisation, providing expert advice, supporting innovative projects, and helping us to shape processes that are fit for the future.

What we’re looking for:

• Solid experience in fast paced roles including a supply environment, preferably within the public sector
• Ofqual Level 4 (i.e. HNC or higher); and/or equivalent professional, vocational or technical qualification; and/or equivalent assessed professional accreditation
• Transforming Public Procurement certification from the Government Commercial College, or willingness to undertake within 3 months of appointment to the role
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge
• Strong analytical, organisational, communication, and systems skills
• Confidence to provide advice, solve problems and manage competing priorities
• Commitment to our values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering

Your focus will include:

• Supporting mandate fraud checks for suppliers
• Processing and overseeing new contract requests for the council, ensuring correct procedures are followed
• Issuing statutory notices under the Procurement Act 2023
• Helping to ensure transparency, value for money, and ethical practice
• Analysing data, preparing reports, and supporting continuous improvement by exploring new possibilities and unconventional ideas
• Contributing to a positive, supportive team culture

Why Join Us?

• Flexible hybrid “Desk-based” workstyle (minimum one day per week on site)
• Full time 35 hours per week with a competitive salary at PO2 level (£45,852–£47,925)
• Commitment to championing your professional development
• Part of an organisation recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, London Living Wage Employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and more

If you’re ready to take on varied and meaningful projects and make a lasting impact, apply today!

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.