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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 BDUK commercial team delivering departmental objectives.

BDUK is looking to strengthen its commercial capability and has an opportunity for a Commercial lead to fulfils the exciting and critical role of Supplier Relationship Management Lead.

The successful candidate will be responsible for collating and sharing of supplier intelligence data, working with relevant Commercial Programme and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Leads to support day-to-day supplier management activities and deliver initiatives which impact across multiple Programmes, taking into account Cabinet Office and cross-government initiatives. They will use feedback and intelligence gained from shared supplier insights from across the business to support more effective working across BDUK, including through knowledge sharing, providing a point of contact for raising and coordinating the resolution of issues, and ongoing two-way dialogue as appropriate.

It is expected that the candidate will lead by example, through role modeling excellent supplier and stakeholder relationship management through the effective management of key relationships alongside developing new relationships as supplier relationship management activity.

• Lead the collation and sharing of supplier intelligence data, working with relevant Commercial Programme and other Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Leads to support day-to-day supplier management activities and deliver initiatives which impact across multiple Programmes, taking into account Cabinet Office and cross-government initiatives.

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  Proactively identify, monitor and manage key supplier market activity, risks and issues and maintain effective cross-BDUK processes for managing them, including reporting to the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS)/Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Cabinet Office on possible government wide supply chain risks and issues. Supporting SRM leads in contributing into ad hoc briefings on particular suppliers as and when required.

• 
  Lead on sharing supplier intelligence across Programmes to support more effective working across BDUK, including through knowledge sharing, providing a point of contact for raising and coordinating the resolution of issues, and ongoing two-way dialogue as appropriate.

• 
  Support the Head of SRM to develop and maintain BDUK’s overarching strategy for managing supplier intelligence, ensuring that BDUK’s approach to collating and sharing supplier knowledge across programmes adds value and benefit whilst supporting the embedding of effective delivery and performance management processes.

• 
  Line manage Supplier Relationship Intelligence Manager(s), providing task management as well as ongoing coaching, mentoring and career development support.

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  Support/deputise for the Head of SRM as required.

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

• Manages Complexity - Adapts quickly to different environments, and uses different communications styles depending upon the needs of the particular audience. Identifies and resolves problems when the data is not sufficient
• Market Insight - Articulates commercial motivations and expected behaviors of stakeholders, suppliers and networks. Uses analysis to make effective decisions and can articulate key risks
• Commercial Focus - Presents conclusions when given evidence and is able to evaluate the relative strengths to confidently make good decisions
• Resilient - Demonstrates resilience in resolving issues internally and in helping the team to deal with setbacks. Implements change at a local level, working with affected parties to identify and overcome challenges
• Builds Relationships - Influences internal decisions and leads discussions with suppliers, engaging well on technical issues. Is trusted for commercial advice and is able to put technical considerations in plain language for stakeholders
• Understanding Sourcing Needs - Provides sufficient detail to allow the market to respond to requirements whilst leaving room for innovation, and is able to challenge specifications to improve outcomes

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 :
Rachel Whyte
Email :
[email protected]

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]