JOB SUMMARY

The Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) is a new shared corporate service, launched in July 2023. It provides corporate services (HR, Finance, Digital, Commercial, Security and Estates) across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).
Our team of just over 300 professionals will be leading the way in how these functions will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of integrated corporate services for government and set the standard for quality, efficiency, and innovation in our field.
We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is
found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact within commercial policy, specifically focused on procurement and contract management across multiple government departments. As the Policy Lead, you will help implement and deliver policy that underpins how we buy goods and services, manage suppliers, and ensure value for money across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), and Integrated Corporate Services (ICS). You will also champion inclusive and responsible procurement practices and lead communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
You will play a key role in implementing the policies that govern public procurement and contract management, ensuring alignment with Cabinet Office Commercial Function guidance and helping departments comply with the Procurement Act reforms. Also assessing impact of new policies on internal policies and procedures.
This is a strategic role that bridges policy, governance, and operational delivery—supporting commercial teams across DESNZ, DSIT, and ICS to embed best practice in procurement, improve supplier oversight, and meet transparency and legal obligations.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

TYPE OF ROLE

Commercial
Policy
Procurement and Contracts Management

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and continual refinement of DESNZ and DSIT’s commercial policy approach, including overseeing supplier compliance with contractual obligations and statutory reporting.
• Act as the primary policy lead for all matters related to procurement reform and inclusive procurement policy.
• Identify opportunities to improve policy effectiveness through better use of data, reporting mechanisms, and collaboration with Systems, MI, and Governance teams.
• Design and deliver policy workshops and training sessions on procurement and contract management topics.
• Support contract management and commercial assurance initiatives to strengthen supplier delivery and risk management.
• Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders on the procurement and commercial implications of proposals.
• Collaborate with procurement delivery teams, legal advisors, policy colleagues, and external partners to implement effective and consistent procurement practices.
• Develop guidance materials, templates, and tool-kits that help commercial teams implement procurement and contract policy.
• Support early market engagement and innovative sourcing models to improve commercial outcomes.
• Represent the department in cross-government commercial policy working groups.
• Monitor compliance with procurement policy and manage risks of non-compliance.
• Contribute to lessons learned, audits, and reviews to continuously improve commercial policy delivery.