At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate commercial strategies and insights across government departments for impactful procurement.
- Company: Join the UK's largest public procurement organisation, driving value for taxpayers.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public sector procurement while developing your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in stakeholder engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
On behalf of Government Commercial Agency, we are looking for a Commercial Practioner (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract.
This is a hybrid working role (three days per week office based - Liverpool, Norwich, Newport or Birmingham).
Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the largest public procurement organisation in the UK.
As a trading fund and executive agency of the Cabinet Office, we implement procurement policy on behalf of the government.
We use the collective buying power of our customers and our commercial expertise to help public sector organisations achieve value for money and provide great outcomes for taxpayers.
Job
Purpose: As part of the Government Commercial Agency's remit to drive commercial excellence and strategic alignment across government through the newly established Strategic Category Forum process, the GCA Estates Category is seeking a Commercial Practitioner.
This role will coordinate the category planning process on behalf of the Estates Team across multiple departments, ensuring centralised reporting, consistent analytical frameworks, and deep market data insights to support key strategic objectives As a Commercial Practioner, your main responsibilities will be:
- Cross-Functional
Coordination: Serve as the central commercial touchpoint across multiple project teams and government stakeholders to align objectives and maintain programme momentum.
- Commercial Insight & Strategy: Analyse complex expenditure and market intelligence data into actionable commercial insights to resolve strategic problem statements across participating teams.
- Data Management & Analytics: Manage operational data flows, develop centralised performance dashboards, and track key programme Management Information (MI) metrics.
- Strategic Planning & Assurance: Support the design and implementation of new commercial models, evaluate cross-departmental spend efficiency, and monitor risk profiles.
- Stakeholder
Engagement: Facilitate working groups across departments, draft high-level executive briefings, and maintain collaborative relationships with programme leads.
Essential
- Robust capability in commercial data analysis and executive reporting
- Demonstrated expertise in cross-functional stakeholder engagement and inter-departmental coordination
- Proven project management and organisational skills across complex, multi-team settings
- Strong commercial acumen, preferably gained within a public sector environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing preparation
Desirable
- Track record of delivering on cross-government transformation initiatives
- Category management background within Construction, Energy, or Facilities Management sectors
- Professional CIPS qualification Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
At GCA, we actively support, promote, and celebrate our differences for the benefit of our employees, suppliers, and customers.
GCA is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
GCA believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Disability Confident As a Disability Confident employer, GCA encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates.
Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review.
Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, GCA welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners.
Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review.
Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following 'this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation.
Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs.
As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different'.
Commercial Practioner employer: Public Sector Resourcing CWS
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects that directly impact national security and the welfare of armed forces personnel. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive work culture, and the chance to work on high-stakes programmes in a collaborative environment, the MOD provides meaningful roles that contribute to the greater good. Located in London with additional travel to Bristol and Reading, this hybrid role allows for flexibility while engaging in critical defence initiatives.
Contact Details:
Public Sector Resourcing CWS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Practioner
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Public Sector Resourcing CWS. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Practioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Public Sector Resourcing CWS and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing CWS
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Public Sector Resourcing CWS will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Public Sector Resourcing CWS. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
