Senior Category Officer - Technology
| Posting date: | 28 June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,439 to £47,039 per year |
| Additional salary information: | London: £42,577 - £47,039; National: £39,439 - £43,569. For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading ‘Salary’. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 17 July 2024 |
| Location: | Bristol |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 359557/2 |
Summary
Defra group Commercial (DgC) provides commercial expertise across a range of areas in market facing category teams.
DgC is responsible for a £6bn contracts and grants pipeline with a team of circa 180 commercial professionals. We are growing to meet the needs of our customers and an increasing spend portfolio.
We deliver a range of focused commercial services across the Defra group. We lead on end-to-end procurement and category management, provide contract and supplier relationship management support, deliver assurance for complex commercial transactions, and deliver general grants. We lead Defra compliance with procurement regulations and promote government policy, innovation and change through procurement delivery.
We provide commercial services to organisations within Defra group which include Environment Agency (EA), Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Natural England (NE). We work collaboratively with other governments departments such as Foreign Commonwealth and Development office (FCDO), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Home Office.
The Category Team
The Technology Category Team are ensuring Defra transform the way in which it delivers its IT services, making it simpler, faster, and more sustainable. Working in Technology the team offers an opportunity to make a real difference in a category that is challenging, varied and high profile. The Technology category sources all Defra’s IT requirements from User Devices and Digital applications to Connectivity, Data Geospatial and Cybersecurity. The team is market facing and agile which enables us to respond to emerging technologies and engage flexibly with customers, aligning and consolidating the IT goods and services that we buy for the Defra Group. As a Senior Category Officer, you will report to a Category Manager within Defra Group Commercial (DgC)Technology Team.
What will your responsibilities entail?
- Working collaboratively within a Technology Commercial Category Team.
- Ensuring the effective delivery of medium to high-value projects, procurements, and contract/supplier management within a market-facing category team.
- Developing commercial strategies aligned to Category Plan, contributing to success of the business. Planning and managing all market engagement for relevant sub-category.
- Supporting key customers to prepare all commercial documentation and conduct Procurements in compliance with Public Contracts Regulations managing all aspects of commercial lifecycle.
- Preparing recommendations for approval via Governance Boards Prepare contract management documentation in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Building and sustaining effective relationships with suppliers to deliver exceptional performance in cost, service, and quality.
- Providing day-to-day advice and recommendations on commercial risks and issues, considering risk, commercial opportunities, and maximizing value for money and savings.
- Being responsible for the delivery of IT contracts ensuring that sustainable impacts and opportunities are identified and managed throughout the commercial lifecycle.
- Collaborating with customers to deliver value effectively and innovatively so that the customer organisation outcomes and objectives and key corporate targets.
- Managing the Category Pipeline in accordance with Defra's commercial policies and procedures to ensure propriety and value for money across the commercial life cycle.
- Providing strategic support to the team by promoting commercial policies and procedures, influencing final outcomes, and offering expert advice on commercial issues and governance.
- Engaging with colleagues nationwide to build a strong commercial network internally and through the wider Defra network and Government Bodies.
- Providing support and training to colleagues, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective and efficient work delivery.
- Utilising IT systems and applications proficiently to conduct tasks effectively.
- Investing in your own professional development, which may have involved staying abreast of legislation changes, best practices, or enhancing industry knowledge.
- Participating in and potentially chairing meetings to facilitate decision-making, including setting agendas, leading discussions, and documenting actions and decisions.
- Cultivating positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers, effectively influencing and challenging to achieve optimal commercial results.
- Some roles may include line management responsibilities for Commercial Officers, including setting objectives, managing performance, and supporting learning and development.