Commercial Lead – Navy

Building a strong Commercial Function in Government, and with it the right commercial capability, is at the heart of a far-reaching programme of Civil Service reform.

We are building a cadre of commercial talent in all Government departments; people who can manage our commercial portfolios, who can lead our most complex and novel programmes and projects, people who have the gravitas and depth of experience to work alongside our policy and operational leaders to develop innovative commercial arrangements, whether through joint ventures, outsourcing or best-in-class contracts.

The Government Commercial Organisation is an employer which is truly committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and are able to perform to their potential. We understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and strive for a workplace that reflects the communities which we serve. We especially welcome applications from underrepresented groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with a disability and candidates with gender-diverse identities. Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

We have already made significant progress through the establishment of the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), our single employer of senior commercial talent across government. This role will sit within the GCO, but based in our MOD DIO commercial team delivering departmental objectives.

At the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) we manage the military estate. We are a Top-Level Budget Holder in Defence with a high-profile across the Department and wider Government. The DIO is on an exciting journey to transform the way we do business. Our role is diverse and the people who work for us carry out a range of exciting jobs spanning several professions; we offer a wealth of career opportunities for talented individuals looking to work as part of a team to deliver impressive results. The scope of the overall Navy/Clyde portfolio includes a complex mixture of nuclear and non-nuclear related infrastructure, training, accommodation, airfield, maritime (piers/jetties etc), large scale fuel depot and other associated utility type major infrastructure projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a complex operational environment, in a growing team whilst contributing to an exciting and growing portfolio some of MODs and Navy’s most important defence priorities.

As a commercial leader in an expanding portfolio of Navy and Maritime infrastructure projects, you will support the strategic relationship and build collaboration with suppliers and senior internal stakeholders.  Your primary function will be the creation and delivery of commercial strategies to meet project goals, while minimising risk and ensuring Total Cost of Ownership is considered. 

You will be the trusted advisor in sourcing and commercial initiatives to both, stakeholders and your team, ensuring compliance to the appropriate processes and operating procedures. 

• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with Navy, DE&S (Defence Equipment & Support), Cabinet Office and delivery colleagues
• Providing strategic leadership and early involvement in customer requirements to shape delivery outcomes
• Creative input and development of Procurement, commercial and associated contracting strategies
• Providing commercial advice and guidance across a wide range of stakeholders
• Manage and lead a diverse team of civil servants and industry partners, developing a high-performance culture
• Ensure all commercial activity represents best value for money
• Manage commercial activity within Letter of Delegation
• Negotiate and place contracts from construction frameworks, e.g., NEC
• Ensure compliance with regulations and policy, as well as best practice in a construction environment
• Undertake commercial assurance and provide timely inputs to returns as required by DIO, MOD and Central Government
• Maximise use of procurement enablers and associated MIS to improve procurement
• Optimise scarce commercial resource and seek to balance loading and minimise the impact of shortages in innovative ways

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Manages Complexity – Must be able to deliver at pace within a complex stakeholder environment with multiple competing priorities
• Commercial Focus – Proven supplier management experience which has delivered great value for money outcomes that have met the needs of the end user
• Builds Relationships – The ability to build excellent commercial relationships with senior stakeholders, the ability to be able to find common ground and develop mutually beneficial outcomes
• Procurement Process – The ability to support and make effective recommendations during commercial negotiations
• Contract and Supply Management – Full contract management lifecycle experience, with a track record of effectively supporting and improving the performance of suppliers

As a valued employee of the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), you will have access to all the benefits the centre has to offer; including flexible working, generous benefits, Career Coaches, Mentors, L&D, a Commercial College, active talent management and, most importantly, access to commercial projects that will far exceed the scale and complexity on offer elsewhere in the UK.

For existing Civil Servants:  For full details of the impact on any move across the civil service on your existing terms and conditions, please read the candidate pack.  Please note that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to continue to claim childcare vouchers. 

Job contact :

• Name : Lynsey Munro
• Email : commercialresourcinghub@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : commercialresourcinghub@cabinetoffice.gov.uk