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: 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Commercial Officer - Newport in Southampton employer: What Jobs
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to continuous learning, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful public service. The Newport office provides unique advantages such as on-site amenities, a strong sense of community, and opportunities to engage in inclusive network groups, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in procurement and contract management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement and commercial sectors, especially those who work at the IPO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your procurement knowledge. Familiarise yourself with public procurement regulations and the IPO Spend Policy. Being able to discuss these confidently will show you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your relationship-building skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. This is key for a Commercial Officer role, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the IPO there.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer - Newport in Southampton
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 listed 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. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your examples are easy to understand. We want to see your skills, not decipher a puzzle!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply now' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
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 collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in the past. Think of specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in resolving issues or improving supplier performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios related to contract management or supplier engagement, and outline your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires maintaining accurate records and compliance, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Bring examples of how you've managed data or documentation in previous roles, highlighting your meticulous approach.
