AMS PSR

On behalf of Companies House, we are looking for a Lead Commercial Policy Advisor Inside IR35 for a 6 month contract based Remotely (Occasional travel to Cardiff for key meetings)

Companies House drives confidence in the economy and makes the UK a great place to start, and run, a business.

As an executive agency sponsored by The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) we have the ability to play a leading role in the right against corrupt business practices by providing the transparency and clarity necessary for the UK to continue to be regarded as a world-leading place to do business.

Companies House is undergoing an historic change – to our systems, culture, services, and ways of working. Our people are at the heart of these changes.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth.

These changes represent the biggest opportunity for Companies House in almost 170 years. This move will help us achieve the kind of culture we want – one which drives high performance and where our brilliant people can flourish.

About the role

It’s an exciting time in the Commercial Function at Companies House, as we strengthen our Commercial Function with the introducing an additional team in early 2023 responsible for commercial strategy, policy, governance and assurance, underpinned by the right commercial capability and systems.

As a Commercial Policy, Governance and Assurance Lead, you’ll drive and support compliant procurement activity though advising commercial colleagues on the commercial aspects of business cases at SOC-OBC-FBC stages (five case model) in line with procurement law and central Government policy (including the Sourcing Playbook).

In addition, you’ll support the, Band F, Head of Commercial Policy & Capability in the preparation and implementation of the proposed reform changes under the Procurement Act 2023.

This role underpins CH obligations and compliance requirements against the Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015, the new Procurement Act (PA) 2023, Procurement Policy Notices (PPNs) and other central government guidance (including playbooks), Cabinet Office Spend Controls, and will support new procurement legislative roll-out and compliance within Companies House obligations under this new legislation.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Lead Commercial Policy Advisor would be to:

• Ensure that Companies House complies with procurement law, and wider guidance and policies. Advising on any policy changes through facilitated sessions and updating any related documentation, templates, and systems.
• Play an active role in supporting cross-functional project teams, developing and or supporting commercial colleagues in the commercial elements of the business case, influencing sourcing direction and commercial strategies.
• Attend and presenting progress and recommendations at internal governance boards.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and management skills across all levels of the organisation providing best practice, guidance, and providing expert knowledge.
• Work directly with the Commercial Delivery and Contract Management teams to support effective and consistent approaches to business case completion.
• Assist in the induction, training, and professional development of commercial colleagues at all levels..

Essential:

• Strong commercial knowledge and experience across the full commercial lifecycle within the UK public sector.
• A track record of successfully driving and supporting complex transactions and developing innovative solutions that meet strategic goals, presenting recommendations to internal Boards.
• well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across teams, building trust, bringing people together to achieve a common objective, whilst creating an effective network.
• experience of influencing key stakeholders and suppliers at a senior level within a commercially-focused environment.
• Proven experience of supporting commercial teams in building capability and sharing your knowledge, preferably in a dynamic transformational environment, managing competing demands for priorities and resources.
• Proven capacity for successfully implementing commercial strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Applicable professional qualification/s along with strong understanding of the principles of commercial management (e.g., Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, World Commerce and Contracting Association, Institute of Leadership & Management)
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of UK public sector procurement legislation and public procurement policy

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Companies House guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Companies House guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".