AMS PSR

On behalf of DEFRA we are looking for a Commercial Manager (Inside IR35) for a 9 month contract on a hybrid basis in London (1-2 days per week – Wednesdays required)

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability. 

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (https://www.gov.uk/)

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/)

As a Commercial Manager your main responsibilities will be: 

• As a Commercial Manager, you will report to a Senior Commercial Manager (G6 grade). The role holder will work with customers to deliver value effectively and innovatively so that the customer organisation outcomes and objectives can be met alongside the fulfilment of key corporate targets. 
• The role holder will be progressing the Procurement Strategy and develop a Delivery Model assessment for a contract value of circa £800M with a overall project value of £14.b
• Alongside this you will be required to award and monitor medium value, medium and high risk contracts in accordance with Defra’s commercial policies and procedures. You will deliver propriety and value for money across the commercial life cycle.
• The role will provide strategic support to the team and involve promoting commercial policies and procedures whilst influencing the final outcomes. It includes the provision of expert advice to the business on commercial issues and governance and operational support to the team. 
• The role holder will engage with colleagues across the country, building their Commercial network both internally and through the wider Defra network and Government Bodies. 

Essential - In previous roles, we expect you will have:

• Lead and supported delivery of projects including procurements and/or managing contracts or suppliers to a successful outcome.
• Formed positive working relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers including influencing and challenging to gain the best outcome. You may have some line management experience. 
• Understand regulatory frameworks, ideally some exposure to Public Contracts Regulations, working within agreed policies and processes and promoted those standards in the way you work.
• Delivered improved ways of working, business change or efficiency. 
• Proactively identified risks and issues and managed plans to mitigate. 
• Attended and potentially chaired meetings to gain decisions including setting agendas, leading on items and recording actions and decisions.
• Presented conclusions and made recommendations evidenced by analysed information including financial information.
• Supported colleagues, training them as appropriate to help support them with the knowledge and skills to deliver their work in an effective and efficient manner.
• Used IT systems and applications. 
• Invested in your own development which might have included keeping up to date on legislation, best practice or developing industry knowledge.

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, Defra 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. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Commitment

Defra 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 exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

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.