At a Glance
- Tasks: Support public spending through effective procurement and contract management.
- Company: Join the Intellectual Property Office, a key player in public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a dynamic work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles, strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32816 - 32816 € per year.
The Commercial team supports the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to spend public money responsibly through effective procurement, contract management and supplier management. A key part of the role is ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and the IPO Spend Policy. Commercial is split into three category teams: DDaT contracts, People Services contracts and Corporate contracts. This post sits within the People Services category team, providing commercial advice and support across the IPO. The portfolio includes Consultancy and Professional Services, Human Resources, Resourcing, and Learning and Development.
You will contribute to all aspects of public buying activity, including procurement, contract and supplier management, and the maintenance of commercial records and data. We are looking for a proactive self-starter who works well with others, communicates clearly and has strong attention to detail. You will lead and support activities across the IPO's buying process, helping ensure business needs are met through compliant and effective commercial approaches. You'll use your procurement knowledge while building and maintaining strong working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport Office. The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.
Main duties consist of but are not limited to:
- Procurement and contract management
- Lead and support the full procurement lifecycle, from identifying needs and drafting tender documentation through to contract award and ongoing contract management.
- Support the development and delivery of procurement strategies that achieve value for money and comply with organisational policies and procedures.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with public procurement legislation, regulations and organisational guidance.
- Stakeholder engagement and supplier management
- Advise internal stakeholders on compliant routes to market, providing clear guidance on commercial options and requirements.
- Build and manage relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, resolving issues promptly and maintaining effective communication.
- Support supplier performance reviews to confirm delivery against contract terms and identify improvement actions.
- Financial and risk management
- Identify, assess and help manage commercial risks linked to contracts and supplier performance.
- Monitor and report on procurement spend, supporting budget management and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Policy, governance and compliance
- Ensure procurement activity aligns with organisational policies and procedures and complies with public procurement regulations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activity, contracts and suppliers in line with audit and compliance requirements.
- Market analysis and continuous learning
- Undertake market research to identify potential suppliers and understand market trends to inform sourcing decisions.
- Keep up to date with changes in procurement regulations, market conditions and best practice.
- Process improvement
- Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools and templates to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to innovate and add value within commercial and procurement activities.
- Commercial administration
- Use the e-tendering system to publish tenders.
- Maintain contract and purchase order information in the e-tendering system.
- Approve Requests to Purchase (RTP) within the purchase-to-pay (P2P) process.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- Experience in a procurement or commercial role, ideally within the public sector or another regulated environment.
- Experience of contract management.
- An understanding of central government frameworks and how to use them.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and influence stakeholders.
- Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload with minimal supervision.
- Experience using procurement systems (for example, e-tendering systems).
- Knowledge of PCR 2015 and PA23 regulations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
How to Apply:
Click the 'Apply now' button and complete the application form by providing the following: 750-word Personal Statement. Use this to explain why you're suitable for the role. Structure your statement around the essential criteria in the Person Specification. Make sure to provide clear examples to show how you meet each requirement.
For further information on the sift and interview stages of this recruitment campaign, please head to our 'Things you need to know' section below.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.
Commercial Officer - Newport in Burley employer: What Jobs
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits including a Civil Service pension scheme, staff counselling services, and on-site amenities at our Newport office, we foster an inclusive environment where employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully to public procurement and contract management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Burley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Know their values and how you can contribute. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the job. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer - Newport in Burley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Statement:When writing your 750-word personal statement, make it all about you! Use clear examples from your experience that directly relate to the essential criteria. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Stick to the Structure:Structure your statement around the essential criteria in the person specification. This helps us see how you meet each requirement clearly and makes it easier for us to assess your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Remember, we want to understand your experience without having to decipher it!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply now' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public procurement regulations, especially PCR 2015 and PA23. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but can also apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Show Off Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role is all about managing relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained professional relationships in the past. Think about times when you resolved issues or influenced decisions—these stories will resonate well.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Since this position requires strong attention to detail, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Bring examples of how you've managed contracts or procurement records meticulously, and highlight any systems or processes you use to keep everything organised.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions around delivering at pace and making effective decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of specific situations where you had to make quick decisions or deliver results under pressure, and practice articulating those experiences.
