Senior Contract Manager

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 MOJ commercial team delivering departmental objectives.

With an opportunity to drive value and create real difference within the Probation Services team, as a member of the Contract Management Team aiding delivery, the successful candidate will be responsible for the effective management of differing geographic regions for contract management and commercial guidance across the Probation landscape, and working closely with HMPPS colleagues.

Working within a major government department as an integral part of the team the successful candidate will be responsible for providing sound commercial advice and guidance to all levels of the organisation, the successful candidate will be able to put their commercial and interpersonal skills and ability to the test on a daily basis.

The role is likely to require previous experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships as this is a role that is all about bringing together different stakeholders to ensure common goals are achieved. The successful candidate will have a minimum of one direct report. 
 
NB: Internally this role is called Senior Commercial Business Partner but has been advertised as Senior Contract Manager for external advertising purposes. 

• Working closely to establish effective, working relationships with stakeholders of differing experience levels and knowledge of public sector rules and regulations, which requires experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Being the conduit between legal, finance and regional stakeholders to ensure appropriate engagement and robust assessment is undertaken for all commercial matters to be managed, enacted and closed down.
• Working with the regions to determine the correct route to market, and information gathering to aid the business decision and financial commitment to be made.
• Developing Contractual documents, MOU [ Memorandum of Understanding] Short Form contracts, and managing external partner relationships to ensure the correct vehicle is used to contract services for the regions, dependent on the contracting partner and the service required, and obtaining the most appropriate value for money outcome.
• Commercial oversight on contractual matters impacting regional delivery such as contract changes, reinvestment assessments and supplier and / or contract delivery issues.
• Working alongside Sourcing Probation Team- ensuring oversight and understanding of all contracts within the region being delivered for stakeholders, establishing an understanding of them from “Cradle to Grave”, and them aiding the embedding of these contracts into regional delivery with the Contract Management Team.
• Planning and developing commercial strategies and commissioning templates to meet business needs.
• Training, upskilling, and coaching junior team members.
• Strong leadership capability, being able to illustrate how to successfully lead a team or manage a project.
• Aid contingency planning and transition from current contract to newly procured contracts at contract expiry.

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

• Manages Complexity – The ability to make effective commercial recommendations, whilst reviewing available information to recommend the most appropriate solution whilst managing stakeholder expectations
• Commercial Focus – The ability to show Proven experience overseeing commercial processes that have resulted in successful outcomes, and achieved value for money
• Builds Relationships – Experience of dealing with differing stakeholders with varying levels of experience and seniority and have the ability to manage all relationships equally
• Understanding Sourcing Needs – Experience being able to recommend the right route to market and the ability to support customers in shaping their requirement
• Contract and Supply Management – Experience managing complex contracts and supplier requirements, so that effective advice can be given to colleagues to resolve any contractual or supplier issues

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