JOB SUMMARY

This is an exciting time to join us as we look to expand our influence and impact driving value across the Commercial lifecycle within FCDO. Our Directorate’s role is to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for every pound the British taxpayer invests in aid and our global diplomatic network. The team procures a wide range of contracts with development suppliers to address global challenges such as growth, security, climate change, and migration. We also procure technology, estates and corporate services contracts to support our overseas posts. We work hand in glove with programme and corporate teams across the FCDO to deliver and that’s why our stakeholder relationships are key. We have a strong supplier relationship management function and are expanding our view to strategic relationship management: doing more across FCDO to shape markets by 2030. Engagement with external parties is our core business and by leveraging our network’s expertise and contractual mechanisms we will be core in shaping the FCDO’s approach to growth and deliver on the Government’s missions.
We have outlined an ambitious change agenda to deliver by 2030, whilst maintaining a quality service for the FCDO. In Commercial you will be encouraged to get involved in Departmental change and be part of an innovative, ambitious, future facing team.
The role requires an inspiring individual who has in-depth understanding and experience of delivering strategy creation in a global setting whilst navigating complex industries and market trends, as well as, driving supply chain excellence across the procurement whole life cycle (category strategies, Delivery Model Assessments, Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management).
The individual must have strong category experience in DDaT, preferably with a strong understanding of Technology Services and Cyber Security, extensive experience with knowledge in developing strategic commercial business cases, assessing with key stakeholders DDaT ‘make v buy’ decisions, knowledge of relevant procurement regulations, experience running end to end procurements, and supplier management.
Additionally, the role will develop, manage, and maintain a pipeline of commercial activity, supporting the development and delivery of complex and novel commercial projects. The individual must be able to review and challenge sourcing strategies to improve outcomes.
Significant engagement and relationship management with FCDO stakeholders will be required that include FCDO ALB’s, Regional Platform, Procurement Hubs, Policy, Directors, Senior Responsible Officers, and Supply Chains to ensure that commercials service offering is translated into outcomes that is aligned to wider government and FCDO targets.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a Reserved role – you must be a British Citizen at the time of application. Candidates internal to FCDO who were employed prior to 30th September 2020 are exempt from reserved status.
This is an important role, leading a team that contributes towards FCDOs pursuit of its development & consular objectives globally through key enabling contracts. As well as category management activities, the team is increasingly taking on supplier management, which is affording greater opportunities to get closer to critical suppliers and to lean in to help solve challenging commercial issues. Through increased exposure with supplier management, we are developing our understanding of what’s driving our key suppliers and how we in turn can flex our approaches as a customer to enable the achievement of mutually beneficial outcomes.
You will need to develop excellent relationships with senior stakeholders from across the entire organisation (including in overseas hubs and posts) to identify needs, opportunities, risks, and issues – and then to implement strategies and plans to priorities and address these. This role will give you excellent opportunities to develop your global leadership approach as well as stakeholder management, change management, risk & issue management, and project management skills.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

• Experience of leading teams in complex commercial activities, including; ‘Make V Buy’ and supplier negotiations
• Effective drafting of innovative business requirements or plans and executing them in a decisive manner
• Experience within the Digital Data & Technology category
• Proven ability to engage with multiple stakeholders both internal/external, building relationships, influencing, and influencing decision making
• Proven track record in procurement project delivery to deadlines and targets. Particular understanding of the implications of decisions across the procurement lifecycle

IMPORTANT: IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS PLEASE CONTACT: COMMERCIALRESOURCINGHUB@CABINETOFFICE.GOV.UK

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

Commercial