At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of procurement and contract management in the public sector.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact in the public sector.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification and significant experience in public sector procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Head of Commercial - Public Sector
Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum
Location: Remote with adhoc travel to London
About the role
My client is on an exciting journey to transform how they deliver procurement.
As Head of Commercial, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping transformation. You’ll set and deliver their commercial strategy, ensuring our procurement and contract management processes deliver value for money, sustainability, and exceptional service to our stakeholders.
This is a strategic leadership position within the Finance function. You’ll lead a small, motivated team, oversee supplier relationships, negotiate high-value contracts, and ensure compliance with procurement legislation and best practice. It’s an opportunity to design and embed a forward-looking commercial function.
What you’ll do
- Shape and deliver the client\'s commercial strategy, including procurement planning, contracting, negotiations, and supplier management.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, policies, and risk management practices.
- Drive value for money through strategic procurement, contract management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Own the contracts register and oversee the full contract lifecycle.
- Provide trusted commercial advice to colleagues, stakeholders, and suppliers, building strong relationships along the way.
- Develop frameworks for accurate and timely procurement data, policies, risk registers, and reporting.
- Lead, inspire, and develop a small team, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to wider projects and initiatives, taking ownership of ad hoc assignments when required.
What we’re looking for
MCIPS-qualified procurement professional who thrives in a public sector environment and has experience working with Crown Commercial Services (CCS) frameworks.
You’ll bring:
- Proven expertise in public sector procurement, with in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and frameworks (including the Procurement Act 2023).
- Strong commercial acumen with experience running high-value tenders and delivering cost savings through supplier management.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills, including risk assessment and mitigation.
- The ability to lead and inspire a small team, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A flexible, collaborative approach, with experience working in dynamic, change-oriented environments.
- Sharp analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret market trends and deliver creative solutions.
Essential:
- MCIPS qualification.
- Significant public sector procurement experience.
- Demonstrable track record in contract management and negotiation.
Desirable:
- Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, e-tendering tools, Purchase-to-Pay/ERP systems).
- Resilient, motivated, and results-focused mindset.
Head of Commercial in Cambridge employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
As an employer, our client offers a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises innovation and professional growth. With a focus on public sector procurement, employees benefit from flexible remote working arrangements and the opportunity to lead transformative projects that make a real impact. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills and resources needed to excel in their roles.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Commercial role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in shaping their commercial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves high-value contracts, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and land that dream job in commercial procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your MCIPS qualification and relevant public sector procurement experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this strategic leadership position. Share specific examples of your achievements in contract management and supplier relationships that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a small team, make sure to highlight your experience in inspiring and developing others. We love seeing candidates who can foster innovation and drive continuous improvement, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on public sector procurement regulations and the Procurement Act 2023. Familiarise yourself with the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) frameworks, as this will show your expertise and readiness to tackle the role head-on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in dynamic environments. Think about specific instances where you inspired innovation or drove continuous improvement, as this is key for the Head of Commercial position.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and outcomes from previous high-value tenders. Highlight your ability to assess risks and deliver cost savings through effective supplier management, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your outstanding stakeholder management skills by preparing anecdotes that showcase your ability to build strong relationships. This could include times when you provided trusted commercial advice or collaborated effectively with colleagues and suppliers.
