Head of Commercial and Procurement (Ref: 81037)

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

About this role

A Commission that serves the people of Northern Ireland

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is being set up to provide information to families, victims and survivors of Troubles-related deaths and serious injury, and to work towards reconciliation for all parties.

I accepted the role of Chief Commissioner because I believe this is worth doing. The people of Northern Ireland and all those affected by the Troubles need the legacy of the past to be properly dealt with. Previous attempts to address this have failed but that doesn’t mean we can simply give up.

The importance of reconciliation is known by all those who have been affected by the Troubles and its legacy. For each and every person, that will mean something different. I want the new Commission to be designed in the way that best serves the people of Northern Ireland.

I believe we have a real opportunity here to deliver the answers that people are looking for. To do this, we need to build an independent organisation that’s founded on integrity, expertise and fairness. 

Sir Declan Morgan, Chief Commissioner-designate

Who we are

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery will be established by the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill which is in its final stages of becoming law. The primary role of the Commission will be to provide information to families, victims and survivors of Troubles-related deaths and serious injury and to promote reconciliation.

The Commission is being established as an independent, arms-length body. It will be classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body. The ICRIR Programme Secretariat, an autonomous business unit of the Northern Ireland Office, is supporting Sir Declan Morgan to undertake preparatory work for the Commission, and once it is established, staff may transfer into the ICRIR. In advance of this, we are building the teams and the capabilities the new Commission will need.

The Commission will have its HQ in Belfast and further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit

About this role

Job title: Head of Commercial and Procurement

Number of roles: 1

Salary: £54,358 – £66,670

The national salary range is £54,358 – 61,585. London salary range is £58,847 – £66,670. Your salary will be dependent on base location.

The successful candidate will adopt the terms and conditions of the NIO for the length of their appointment. Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post.

Location: Our main operational base will be Belfast, with a small office presence in London. Applications are invited for both Belfast based and London based candidates, occasional travel between our two offices will be required.

Please note these roles are not part of the Northern Ireland Office and will be based in our offices in May Street, Belfast. Until the Commission is legally established in December, some details on our listings will refer to the Northern Ireland Office’s departmental headquarters in Erskine House.

You may also work from your home address, in line with guidance on hybrid working and with the agreement of your line manager.

Contract type:

Fixed-term appointment for a 12-month loan (with option to extend).

Depending on the timing of Royal Asset for our establishing legislation, our staff may be temporarily engaged through the Northern Ireland Office for a short period, until ICRIR is established as a separate legal entity.

Duration: 12 months

Security level: You will need to be cleared to SC level or willing to apply for clearance.

Closing date: 22nd November 2023

Job description

The role is part of the programme to establish the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). In this strategically vital role, it will focus on developing Commercial strategy, policies and put in place processes for procurement and contract management.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Commercial professional to develop their career in a role where there’s the opportunity to set policy, innovate and create a commercial function for a new organisation. The role heads up the new Commercial team, reporting to the Head of Finance. The successful candidate will be highly strategic in approach, ensuring the Commercial function supports demanding delivery objectives.

The successful candidate will use knowledge and expertise to gain credibility to support the senior management team in ICRIR. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional to develop their career and gain a wide breadth of experience. As a key part of our leadership team, you will be a member of both the Commercial and wider Corporate Services senior management teams.

Staff are split across both the London and Belfast Offices; therefore some travel will be required.

Duties and responsibilities

This role is an excellent prospect for a high performing individual who wants to build their public sector commercial career, focusing on procurement and the commercial lifecycle.  It will provide the opportunity to make a real difference and help shape how this newly formed commercial function will deliver an exceptional service for ICRIR. 

The role will set up a commercial function within the finance division of the newly formed ICRIR, line managing one new supporting role.  The role is expected to work across multiple workstreams, supporting the over-arching strategy and vision of the organisation.

The role will set up policies and processes for procurement and contract management.  It requires experience of procurement delivery and implementation of effective commercial lifecycle practices.  

The key duties of the role are:

• Creating and implementing procurement policies and processes to provide an effective commercial function with robust corporate governance in line with public sector regulations.
• Tendering and procuring contracts to service operational requirements and to utilise the most appropriate routes to market and secure value for money outcomes.
• Contract and supplier relationship management, ensuring that contracts are properly managed to ensure maximum value is achieved in each contract and poor contract delivery is addressed.
• Lead and support corporate reporting for the Commercial function, servicing internal strategic and external regulatory requirements.
• Maintain business relationships across the organisation.
• Drive overall functional development, encouraging teamwork and building effective relationships to deliver great commercial outcomes.
• Responsible for helping to establish and maintain a category management structure within Commercial Function. This covers the totality of the procurement life cycle and will result in best-in-class procurement and contract management processes based upon the candidate’s commercial and category expertise.
• Provide specialist category expertise to enable delivery of creative and innovative market leading commercial solutions. 
• Assist with development and delivery of the commercial category strategy including planning, governance and performance management. Perform procurement reporting and analysis of management information to identify improvement opportunities.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Experience of leading procurement and commercial contracts within the public sector.
• Strong negotiation skills to drive excellent commercial outcomes and manage commercial risk.
• Proven track record of negotiating contract terms and contract management.
• Ability to communicate and present clearly and persuasively to senior management.
• Demonstrable commitment to and focus on quality, promotes high standards
• Substantial experience of running tender exercises compliant with Public Contract Regulations. Wider knowledge of contract law and tailoring standard forms of contracts as well constructing tender documentation packs.
• Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
• Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals.

Desirable criteria:

• CIPS qualification
• Experience of commercial functions within central government.
• Experience of establishing a new organisation.
• Experience of strategic workforce planning.
• Experience of drafting category management strategy and implementing strategy

Selection process

You can apply for this post through Civil Service website at civilservice.gov.uk

We recruit using Success Profiles. More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found here.

The selection and interview process will consist of two stages.

Sift

You are required to submit:

• a CV highlighting relevant experience and skills; and
• a statement of suitability (maximum 750 words) to demonstrate your suitability for the role and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Interview

You will be assessed on:

• your experience and suitability for the role.
• how you can exhibit and can demonstrate examples of the following behaviours:
  • Managing a quality service
  • Working together
  • Making effective decisions
  • Changing and improving

Further information about the post may be obtained by emailing graham.hancock@icrir.independent-inquiry.com

Expected timeline

We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below timetable. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.

Closing date for applications: 22nd November 2023

Sift: W/e 24th November 2023

Interviews: W/c 4th December 2023

Please note that if you are successful in your application, you will be asked to list any interests you have which may be relevant to this role and consider any potential conflicts of interest.

Our recruitment process

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment.

Additional information received after the closing date will not be considered.  Failure to provide sufficient information in support of an application prior to the closing date will not be considered as grounds for an appeal if an applicant is not shortlisted for interview.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We operate the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, details of which are attached to the application form for this post.

Merit lists

If we identify more appointable candidates than we currently have posts available, we will hold applicant details on a reserve list from which further appointments can be made for a period of 12 months. This may include roles at a lower grade. If you don’t want to remain on the reserve list, please contact HRenquiriesICRIR@icrir.independent-inquiry.com to be removed.

FAQs

Is this role suitable for part-time working?

This role is available for full-time, or flexible working arrangements (including job share partnerships).

Where will the role be based?

[For roles where the base is negotiable – The post can be based in Belfast or London. Whichever office you choose to be based in, weekly travel to our other office may be required to support delivery of key objectives. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed, however, travel costs between Belfast and London can be reclaimed as an expense.

Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?

No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply?

To be eligible for employment to this role you must be a national from the following countries:

• The United Kingdom
• The Republic of Ireland
• The Commonwealth*
• A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State
• Switzerland
• Turkey

Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless of their nationality. (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who have no right of abode in the UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.) For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.

Reserved for UK nationals

Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, might be reserved for British citizens. This is not a reserved post.

Is security clearance required?

Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to SC level. Information about the vetting process can be found online.

What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process.

If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact HRenquiriesICRIR@icrir.independent-inquiry.com.

Do you offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Persons?

Disabled applicants who meet the minimum selection criteria in the job specification a

re guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the Disability Commitment, please indicate this in your application. It is not necessary to state the nature of your disability.

Is this recruitment guided by Civil Service Commission principles?

This recruitment is not overseen by the Civil Service Commission. However, the recruitment process will still be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. More detailed information can be found on the Civil Service Commission website.

What do I do if I want to make a complaint?

The law requires that selection is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, contact mailto:HRenquiriesICRIR@icrir.independent-inquiry.com in the first instance.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Commission, please visit their web pages:

http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/

What should I do if I think I have a conflict of interest?

Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the ICRIR. If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest, before submitting your application please contact HRenquiriesICRIR@icrir.independent-inquiry.com.

Data sharing

We will ensure that we will treat all personal information in accordance with data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018.

The legal basis for processing your personal data

Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

Personal data are processed in the public interest because understanding employee experiences is important to inform decisions taken to improve these experiences, and ultimately organisation performance.

Sensitive personal data is personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

The legal basis for processing your sensitive personal data

Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest for the exercise of a public body: it is important to know if groups of staff with specific demographic characteristics have a better or worse experience, so that appropriate action can be taken to level this experience.

Processing is of a specific category of personal data and it is necessary for the purposes of identifying or keeping under review the existence or absence of equality of opportunity or treatment between groups of people with a view to enabling such equality to be promoted or maintained.

Please note if you are successful in your application, your sensitive personal data will be used as part of the on-boarding process to build your employee record.

For further information please see the GDPR Privacy Notice

Our offer

We offer a pleasant, modern, hybrid working environment which supports a range of flexible working arrangements, offering a good work/life balance. These include flexible/ alternative working patterns, part-time and job-share options.

You can choose whether to work from our Belfast or London office, although occasional travel will be required to both. Unfortunately relocation costs cannot be reimbursed.

Benefits

Pension

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package. ICRIR are developing a competitive pension scheme where we will make a significant contribution to the cost of your pension.

Season ticket and bicycle loan

Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle.

Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance

25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after five years’ service. This is in addition to eight public holidays.

Staff wellbeing

Flexible working: There may be access to Flexible Working Schemes allowing you to vary your working day as long as you work your total hours.

Generous paid maternity and paternity leave which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers.

Childcare benefits (policy for new employees as of 5 April 2018): The government has introduced the Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme. Working parents can open an online childcare account and for every £8 they pay in, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 a year for each child or £4,000 for a disabled child. Parents then use the funds to pay for registered childcare. Existing employees may be able to continue to claim childcare vouchers, so please check how the policy would work for you here.

Onsite facilities: Opportunity to use onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens (where applicable).

Personal development

Whatever your role, we take your career and development seriously, and want to enable you to build a successful career. It is crucial that our employees have the right skills to develop their careers and meet the challenges ahead, and you’ll benefit from regular performance and development reviews to ensure this development is ongoing. As an ICRIR employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits.

Inclusion and diversity

We value and support all our people and are committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

We are a new organisation and are using this opportunity to build a supportive and inclusive culture. We will develop strong and proactive staff networks, special leave policies for hospital appointments, reasonable adjustments put in place for those who need them, and diversity talent programmes to help everyone, irrespective of background, to achieve their potential.

We want all our people to feel valued for who they are and we are confident that you will find the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery a warm, welcoming and inclusive place to work.

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Job contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
• Telephone : 0845 241 5359

Recruitment team

• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com