At Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), we're empowering our people to make positive change. We're looking for talented and passionate Commercial Managers to help lead the way to delivering the future of defence. Are you ready to make a difference?
You'll join a diverse team who support the successful delivery of defence procurement programmes with real world impact. These programmes range from peacekeeping to disaster relief to humanitarian aid projects - and we're proud to help deliver them while ensuring compliance and best value.
You'll have the opportunity to lead and manage a range of commercial activities, including drafting contract terms & conditions, managing risk and evaluating risk opportunities, sourcing and managing the procurement of new suppliers and developing policies and schedules for regular procurements. Your role will also involve close collaboration with senior management and engagement with various stakeholders across multiple teams.
We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.
What you'll be doing
- Negotiating terms and pricing, placing and management of contracts and negotiating contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with the Ministry of Defence policy
- Supporting the development of new procurement strategies through analysis of the markets for defence equipment and 'learning from experience' with other teams in DE&S and using DE&S acquisition tools to advertise defence procurements to future suppliers
- Supplier performance management in accordance with Contract Management Plans
- Due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes
- Contributing to wider Commercial function and business improvement activities
- Communicating in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Leading and managing a team of commercial officers and assistants
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Previous experience of sourcing, delivering, and managing contracts
- Experience in developing and implementing Procurement Strategies
- Experience of managing, leading and developing others
- Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent and ability to use IT systems and programmes
If not already held, successful candidates will be supported to undertake the required training below:
- Relevant level of study with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) if not already held. This will be funded by DE&S
- Practitioner-level accreditation panel to demonstrate Government Commercial Function (GCF) professional standard
- Leadership development and defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills and ensure on-going Continuing Professional Development
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
- Tender and Bid Process - Practitioner
- Contract Management - Practitioner
- Making Effective Decisions - CSBC 3
- Communicating and Influencing - CSBC 3
Benefits
- 25 days' annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King's birthday
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
- Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
- Support for progression
- Huge range of discounts
- Volunteering days
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you're looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you'll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.