AMS PSR

On behalf of FCDO, we are looking for a Commercial Category Lead - Inside IR35 for a 6 months contract working on a Hybrid basis (3 days per week in London office and remaining WFH)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK's security, defend our values, reduce poverty, and tackle global challenges with our international partners.

Role Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Category Lead to support the Head of Commercial (Data, Digital & AI) and drive high impact, compliant procurement across the Information & Digital Directorate (IDD). The postholder will lead complex, strategically significant commercial activity across digital, data and AI services ensuring robust alignment to IDD’s new structure, product centred operating model and transformation priorities.

You will deliver commercial arrangements that comply with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR15) for legacy and in flight procurements, and with the Procurement Act 2023 (PR23) for new procurements, operating confidently within a dual regime environment and ensuring governance is adhered to throughout the commercial lifecycle.

PLEASE NOTE:

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance

The main duties and responsibilities of the Commercial Category Lead would be:

• Lead the development of DDaT sub category strategies (e.g., AI solutions, Software, cloud services, data platforms, digital products), aligned with IDD strategy and business priorities.
• Build and maintain a forward plan of commercial activity, shaping demand with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with PR15 or PR23 as applicable.
• Translate IDD’s product and service model into well structured commercial delivery routes, options appraisals, and risk based recommendations.
• Lead end to end procurement activity under both PCR15 (for legacy frameworks and live procurements) and PR23 (for new procurements), ensuring fully compliant processes, transparent decision making, and audit ready documentation.
• Apply PR23 requirements including transparency notices, procurement objectives (value for money, public benefit, integrity, and information sharing), and new award procedures where relevant.
• Produce high quality specifications, routes to market, evaluation models, terms & conditions, commercial risk assessments, and contract management principles.
• Provide expert guidance on the use of Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks, digital and technology frameworks (e.g., G Cloud, DSP, AI frameworks, DaaS), and bespoke sector frameworks.
• Lead compliant call offs under PCR15 governed frameworks and under PR23 aligned frameworks as they transition into the new regime.
• Advise on framework suitability, market engagement requirements, and innovation pathways including POCs, trial agreements, and emerging technology pilots.
• Influence and advise senior leaders across IDD, d overseas networks on commercial strategy and risk.
• Engage with Cabinet Office, HMT, Ministers and cross government forums to align commercial decisions with wider government policies and controls.
• Present business cases (SOBC, OBC, FBC) and sourcing strategies at the appropriate governance boards.
• Fostering a strong professional culture aligned with Government Commercial Function standards and Cabinet Office playbooks.
• Build capability in PR23, digital category management, AI procurement considerations, and commercial assurance.
• Support planning and the embedding of new IDD ways of working.
• Work closely with Finance, H&S, Security, Legal, Data Governance, Architecture and Product Teams to ensure commercial solutions integrate with IDD’s digital, data and AI strategies.
• Ensure consistency across categories and alignment with other Commercial Leads.

Essential:

• Significant experience leading complex, high value procurements under PCR15 and/or PR23, ideally within digital, data, AI or technology categories.
• Proven ability to operate confidently in a dual regime procurement environment, including legacy frameworks and new PR23 obligations.
• Public sector experience, particularly within DDaT categories.
• Strong understanding of Government playbooks (Sourcing, Construction, Digital & Data).
• Expertise in CCS and other frameworks, call off procedures, mini competitions, direct awards and dynamic purchasing models.
• Experience procuring AI solutions, data platforms, SaaS, digital delivery services, cloud, and technology infrastructure.
• Strong commercial acumen, risk management skills, and experience developing sourcing strategies for complex markets.
• Demonstrable experience working in a matrix environment and influencing senior decision makers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable:

• MCIPS or equivalent professional membership.
• Experience leading and coaching a team of 4+ commercial specialists.
• International sourcing or global supply chain exposure.
• Experience with emerging AI procurement principles (ethics, assurance, bias mitigation, evaluation approaches).

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, FCDO 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 Covenant 

FCDO 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".