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 a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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.
Working Style
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.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 32,816, Intellectual Property Office contributes 9,506 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities, 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days in annual increments (1 day per year) over 5 years of reckonable service. You will also get 8 days public leave and 1 day privilege leave. Family friendly policies that support modern working families and individuals with caring responsibilities. A variety of support functions; Staff Counselling Service, Peer to Peer Support Group. Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments. The opportunity to form part of our many inclusive network groups. A range of wellbeing initiatives; Onsite Gym (Newport office), Eye Care Scheme, Volunteering Programme, Cycling facilities. Free car parking is available on site at our Newport office. On-site shop, restaurant and coffee shop at our Newport office.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.
Commercial Officer - Newport in Portsmouth 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 grow in their careers while contributing to meaningful public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Portsmouth
✨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 Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Statement:When crafting 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 listed in the job description. 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 Regulations
Make sure you brush up on public procurement legislation, especially PCR 2015 and PA23 regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the compliance aspect of the role and can navigate the complexities of procurement.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a Commercial Officer, so think about times when your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve supplier performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires strong attention to detail, be ready to discuss how you've managed contracts and maintained accurate records in the past. Bring specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to keep track of important data.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
Think of instances where you took the initiative to improve processes or solve problems. The interviewers will be looking for a proactive self-starter, so share stories that illustrate your ability to identify opportunities for innovation within commercial activities.
