At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commercial contracts and procurement, providing expert advice and leading negotiations.
- Company: Join NCG, a top UK education and training group making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, student discounts, and a government pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor in a role that balances legal and commercial needs while driving impact.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in law or procurement and experience with public sector contracting.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Significant experience in commercial contracts, procurement, or a related commercial role. Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements. Knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and best practice. Experience providing advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders. Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Excellent communication and influencing skills. Experience working in or closely with the education, public sector or not-for-profit environment.
We are seeking a commercially minded and proactive Business Partner - Commercial Contracts & Procurement to join our Professional Services team. This is a varied and influential role that combines commercial contracts, legal support and procurement expertise. You will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation, providing specialist advice on contractual and procurement matters, leading procurement exercises, supporting contract negotiations and helping ensure compliance with relevant legislation and organisational requirements. You will act as a trusted advisor, balancing legal and commercial risk with operational needs, while delivering practical solutions that support NCG's strategic priorities.
What We're Looking For
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Professional qualification in law, procurement or a related discipline.
- Membership of CIPS, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or equivalent professional body.
- Knowledge of TUPE and wider public sector contracting considerations.
- Experience of eTendering and contract management systems.
Should you consider yourself to have the skills and attributes for this role, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Joanne Askin, Director of Legal and Contracts, Amy Clare, Head of Procurement or Lisa Sproats, Chief Finance Officer.
About NCG
NCG is one of the UK's leading education and training groups, committed to creating life-changing opportunities for learners, employers and communities. Through our colleges and national training provision, we strive to deliver exceptional outcomes while ensuring strong governance, compliance and value for money across all areas of our organisation. As part of our Professional Services team, you will play a key role in supporting NCG's commercial, legal and procurement activities, helping the organisation manage risk, achieve strategic objectives and maximise the impact of public and charitable resources.
NCG is a great place to work, with a whole host of benefits such as:
- Generous Annual Leave
- Flexible Working
- Student Discount
- Government Pension Schemes
- Cycle to Work
- Employee Assistance Programme
NCG VALUES
Our values are not just about what we do, but also how we do things. Shaped by our colleagues, customers and learners, they set the standard of how we should behave, how we work together and give us the opportunity to make the right decisions based on the values we all share.
- Being both inclusive and diverse
- Trusting and respecting our communities
- Taking ownership whilst working collaboratively
- Inspiring excellence and curiosity
For further detail about our Values and Strategy, please visit our website.
Business Partner - Commercial Contracts and Procurement employer: NCG Corporation
At NCG, we are dedicated to transforming lives through education, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about teaching. Our inclusive and supportive work culture fosters professional growth, with opportunities for continuous development and collaboration among a community of educators. Located in a vibrant educational environment, we offer generous benefits such as flexible working, a government pension scheme, and a commitment to safeguarding and equality, ensuring that our staff can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Partner - Commercial Contracts and Procurement
✨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 NCG Corporation.
✨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 Business Partner - Commercial Contracts and Procurement
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 NCG Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to NCG Corporation. 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 NCG Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at NCG Corporation
✨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 NCG Corporation!
✨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 NCG Corporation. 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 NCG Corporation's culture.
