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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business leaders in driving value through procurement and supplier management.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting people to higher education in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, a generous pension scheme, and discounts with Perkbox.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing organisation making a real impact in higher education.
- Qualifications: Degree in a business-related subject or equivalent experience; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for internal training and development, plus a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.
UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.
We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We\’re committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they\’re at the heart of everything we do.
Business Unit Description
Our Finance and Corporate Services business unit is a fusion of multiple functions — financial planning and accounting, facilities and building management, procurement, corporate governance and performance, legal and compliance. The Finance Team also defines UCAS\’ financial strategy.
About The Role Contractual Hours
35.00
About The Role
Partner with business leaders across the organisation establishing solutions that drive value for money for UCAS with commercial insight and acumen. The role will work with business commissioners commercial managers and significant suppliers to deliver commercial outcomes that result in contracts and relationships that support high quality delivery and performance of critical activities. Support in establishing and maintaining procurement policy, processes and controls to drive value and minimize UCAS’ exposure to risk.
Key accountabilities:
- Manage end to end tender processes and renewals for significant suppliers that support delivery of critical activities from requirements gathering, building specifications, evaluation of tenders, contract awards and commercial support to contact owners during contract duration.
- Recommend and implement continuous Category Management improvements.
- Take ownership for the development, review and implementation of appropriate sourcing strategies for medium-sized, medium-term contracts to deliver maximum value to UCAS and ensure delivery against the commercial plan and business requirements.
- Develop, manage and maintain proactive and robust relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive value and minimize risks for UCAS.
Skills, Qualifications, And Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a business-related subject or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of work experience.
- Holds CIPS qualification or part qualified with commitment to continue working towards.
- Significant previous experience of working in or supporting a procurement management team within a larger matrix management structure.
- Able to demonstrate detailed understanding of tendering requirements from conception through to contract delivery and award, through to effective relationship management.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and eProcurement tools.
- Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
- Able to demonstrate experience of robust and successful negotiation skills.
- Able to work under pressure and within strict deadlines.
- Good business acumen and experience of working within commercial and policy rules.
- Possess strong influencing skills and the ability to influence and motivate others using personal rather than positional power.
Package
Salary – up to £45,000
- 30 days annual leave (plus 3 concessionary days over Christmas and your bank holidays!)
- Flexibility – UCAS positively supports Hybrid working for its employees, meaning you can work between home and the office in a way that suits you and the business and also has a comprehensive Flexible Working Policy
- A generous pension scheme
- Hundreds of high street discounts and offers with Perkbox
- Internal training and development
- Subsidised gym and café
- Be rewarded for going above and beyond with our ex-gratia bonus scheme and Celebrating U, our quarterly employee recognition scheme
- Dedicated volunteer employee networks promoting wellbeing, awareness and inclusion
Working Arrangements Is fully remote working an option?
No #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Commercial Manager employer: UCAS
Contact Detail:
UCAS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UCAS and its mission. Understanding their role in connecting people to higher education will help you align your answers during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UCAS on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your procurement management skills, especially around tender processes and supplier relationships. Being able to discuss specific examples of your experience in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully influenced outcomes or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to drive value and minimise risks for UCAS.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the Assistant Commercial Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in procurement management and contract negotiation. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should complement your CV by providing specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the role. Emphasise your understanding of tender processes and your ability to build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS
✨Understand UCAS's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you understand UCAS's role in connecting people to higher education. Familiarise yourself with their services and how they impact students and institutions. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in procurement management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed tender processes or supplier relationships, as this is crucial for the Assistant Commercial Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, come ready to share examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved to showcase your ability to influence and drive value.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if UCAS is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their procurement policies or how they measure success in supplier relationships.
