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 vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles is essential.
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 Trowbridge 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer - Newport in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work at the IPO or in procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on procurement regulations and the IPO Spend Policy. Show us you know your stuff and can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly, so try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer - Newport in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Statement:When crafting your 750-word personal statement, make it personal! Use real examples from your experience that align with the essential criteria. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Structure is Key:Make sure your statement is well-structured. Break it down according to the essential criteria in the person specification. This helps us easily see how you meet each requirement and keeps your application clear and concise.
Be Specific and Relevant:Avoid vague statements. Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences related to procurement and contract management. The more relevant your examples, the better we can assess your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced decisions or resolved conflicts, as these stories will highlight your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
In procurement, details matter! Bring examples of how you've managed contracts or procurement processes meticulously. You could even mention any tools or systems you've used to keep track of compliance and records, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to supplier management or contract negotiations, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly.
