Commercial Business Partner in Cambridge

An exciting opportunity to develop experience, skills and knowledge in delivering strategic procurement in a leading research organization. The UKRI Commercial Directorate is responsible for both procurement and non-procurement commercial activities within UKRI.

For procurement activities, the Directorate is responsible for assurance and the complete procurement cycle from beginning to end, including planning, sourcing and contract management for goods, services and works for the Organisation, in a legally compliant manner whilst obtaining value for money.

For non-procurement commercial activities, the Directorate provides commercial advice, operational support and assurance on non-procurement commercial activities and other contractual arrangements to support relevant business areas within UKRI to achieve their objectives.

Purpose of the role

Support the Head of Procurement in developing and delivering UKRI-wide commercial strategies across multiple spend categories. Identify commercial opportunities, ensure effective contract performance throughout the lifecycle, and drive improvements in efficiency, value for money, and procurement capability. Provide expert advice on procurement regulations, lead supplier relationship management for strategic suppliers, and contribute to continuous enhancement of the central procurement function.

Your responsibilities:

• As a member of the Commercial Directorate senior management team, support cross-group alignment on procurement strategy, processes, and policy.
• Ensure all procurement activity uses the most effective route to market, delivering value for money and full regulatory compliance.
• Provide oversight and support on procurement activities delivered through UK SBS, ensuring sound decision-making and appropriate assurance.
• Provide support for UKRI wide commercial projects and work with wider Commercial team to assign tasks and delegate to appropriate team members.
• Challenge and support major projects and programmes to ensure commercial approaches optimize value and manage risk effectively.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as the escalation point for major decisions and contract approvals.
• Apply tools, data, and market analysis to assess supply markets, risks, trends, and opportunities to improve commercial insight.
• Use management information and datasets to support strategic planning and commercial decision-making.
• Promote high standards of commercial professionalism across the function and wider organisation.
• Other duties as agreed from time-to-time with line manager.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Management of Procurement staff assigned to support UKRI wide projects.
• Commercial risk management and procurement benefit realization.
• Leadership and escalation for Contract Management activities.
• Maintaining strong relationships with key commercial stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement policy on behalf of the Head of Commercial.
• Support to internal and external audits and resolution of associated actions.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

Education, qualification and training: Degree level in a commercial discipline or equivalent (S). MCIPs qualified (S).

Technical skills, experience: Demonstrable experience of managing and leading strategic procurement projects effectively (S&I). Significant experience and knowledge of managing complex commercial transactions (I). Management-level commercial experience gained in a complex organization (S&I). Experience of delivering complex procurement projects in a public sector environment (S). Experience in a procurement role providing procurement support to a highly technical organization (S). Experience of contract and supplier management, including dispute resolution (S&I). Experience of procurement risk identification, management and mitigation (I). Ability to understand, interpret, advise, amend and negotiate contracts terms (S&I).

Personal attributes: Customer focused - committed to an ethos of an accountable, cost effective, high-quality, customer-driven service delivery. Able to present clear and logical reasons for proposals. Analytical and able to use facts and data to assist with commercial decision making. A natural problem solver. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels. Ability to explain technical procurement procedures and provide training and advice to a wide audience. High degree of commercial awareness and a confident negotiator.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
• Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.