About the job

Job summary

Do you want to take your public sector procurement and contract management skills to the next level?

Do you want more scope in your role, more ownership, accountability and visibility?

Do you enjoy working with IT contracts and suppliers?

If the answer is yes, we want to hear from you!

About the agency

Part of the Department for Business and Trade, we are a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors. We maintain the standards that help make Britain one of the best places in the world to do business. 

The Insolvency Service is a leading Government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.  

About the Directorate 

The Finance, Commercial, Sustainability & Property Directorate is responsible for managing both the Insolvency Service’s finances and for all commercial related activities.  We are a close-knit directorate, committed to supporting the agency’s operational business and objectives as well as its estates, sustainability and health & safety remit.

Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 10 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability & Health, FACES Network Group, Grass Roots, LGBT+, Mind Matters, No Limits, Part Time Workers, The Shed, and Women’s Network Group. 

We offer full-time, part-time, job share and flexible ways of working. We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, though our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.  

The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career.

Job description

The Commercial Team provide procurement, contract and supply chain management for the Agency. We are a small team of dedicated and highly skilled commercial professionals, performing at an exceptionally high level and based nationally across the Insolvency estate. The team operates on a flexible working basis, with a hybrid of remote and office-based working. The Commercial Team is embedded within the Government Commercial Function applying the Government Commercial Operating Standards, working in accordance with the People Standards for the Commercial profession and undertaking the Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework.

The Commercial team at INSS is currently expanding to meet the exciting challenges across the Sourcing Pipeline, Contract Management landscape, Transforming Public Procurement and to drive best practice against the Commercial Functional Standards. As a result, we’re currently recruiting multiple C2 (SEO) Commercial roles. Any candidate who passes the interview but is unsuccessful in being offered this role, may be considered via the Reserve List for one of the other Commercial roles.

We operate a Category Management approach within our Commercial Team, consisting of 4 Category Teams; Digital & Data category, Technology & Change category, Corporate Services & Operations category and Commercial Governance & Policy category.

Within the Commercial Team at the Insolvency Service, we believe there are huge benefits to working within a small Agency. Our Procurement and Contracts Managers (Commercial Business Partners) have the opportunity to lead/work on complex and strategic commercial matters, allowing them to develop and demonstrate their ability across a broad range of contracts, with greater ownership, responsibility and visibility than can be found in other Government commercial roles.  The success of our leadership approach and commercial model is borne out by the fact that our leavers almost always leave on promotion!

If you’re interested in applying for this role, we’ll be running a meet and greet session so you can get to know more about the role, the Team, the Insolvency Service and to ask any questions you have. We’re keen to meet you and share as much as possible about this fantastic opportunity. We’re planning on hosting this session on Monday 25th March 2024 via Microsoft Teams at 11am. If you’d like to attend this session, please let us know by emailing Commercial@insolvency.gov.uk and we’ll invite you along. We look forward to meeting you.

Roles and Responsibilities

This role sits within the Commercial Technology and Change category. The team is responsible for technology procurement and contract management across all agency-wide IT products and services and pre-dominantly outsourced third party provisioned services/tools which are key enablers of the agency’s business. These include, for example, End User Compute services, Cloud Hosting (MS Azure), Services Integration and Management (SIAM), Network services, Unified Comms., Cyber Security, procurement of essential hardware and range of Microsoft and other software products. All of these along with Core Technology management service and more contribute to the wider agency IT eco-system that supports business delivery.

Reporting to the D2 (Grade 7) Head of Category, you will be responsible for leading on commercial activity within the Technology and Change category as part of the Insolvency Service’s Commercial Team. We operate a cross functional relationship model, and you’ll build relationships and manage stakeholders (often in more senior grades) across the agency, to provide them with commercial expertise and deliver their contracting requirements. Currently this role has a specific focus on the SIAM (Service Integration and Management) and Core Technology Management contracts which have strategic importance within the complex IT contract portfolio As well as ensuring supplier performance and compliance, and handling ongoing contract changes, you will need to work collaboratively with your commercial colleagues to identify and address impacts and dependencies across contracts and suppliers within the ecosystem. Our Commercial Business Partners are responsible for contracts through life, from requirements gathering, early market engagement and procurement to contract exit and transition.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across the organisation and support the underpinning Digital Technology through the outsourced SIAM and Core Technology Management contracts, by providing commercial insight and expertise. In addition, you will act as a Commercial Business Partner for the Category, delivering sourcing and Contract Management for other key Contracts and Requirements across our key stakeholders, either directly or in support of other Commercial Business Partners.    

Person specification

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the following key areas:

• Lead SIAM and Core Technology Commercial activity across the category and across the full commercial lifecycle (the entire process, Identification of need & commissioning, market engagement, sourcing strategy development, proposals, evaluation & contract award) as well as performance and relationship management. Your role shall include Gold level contract management of your portfolio through to contract termination exit or transition to alternative arrangements.
• Act as the Contract Manager and Subject Matter Expert Commercial Business Partner for impacting contractual / service changes that affect the Insolvency Service in your area of responsibility and across the SIAM eco-system, including working closely with IT Service Governance Performance Management.
• Lead Commercial Strategy development and delivery for the future SIAM and Core Technology Management Models, working with IT colleagues to source all relevant contracts and managing the strategic transition to new Suppliers.
• Risk and Opportunity Management – develop and maintain commercial risk / opportunities log across the contracts you manage, identifying risks/issues, establishing and delivering appropriate risk mitigation.
• Support the Head of Category in handling supplier issues, formal challenges / disputes, providing options and making recommendations.
• Applying robust governance and assurance to meet compliance requirements across the Agency, DBT, Cabinet Office, GDS and HMT and ensuring adherence to Government Commercial Functional Standards (“CCIAF”).

So, you should be:

• A confident and experienced commercial professional with proven end-to-end category management experience. You will have experience of Public Sector sourcing options and experience within the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) market is welcomed.
• You should have good experience of and be skilled in sourcing and contract management within a Public Sector environment, i.e. Routes to Market (pros and cons), use of Cross-Government Frameworks, Digital Marketplace, able to provide guidance to stakeholders etc.
• Well-developed relationship/stakeholder management skills - a strong communicator, able to challenge stakeholders and influence decisions up to Director level – and able to overcome challenging and complex demands.
• A conscientious Procurement professional, commercially astute and aware of the wider context of their work, particularly around risks and opportunities.
• An interest in technology, maintaining an awareness of the market in which we operate, able to horizon scan to inform the commercial pipeline, undertake Market Intelligence to add value.
• Positive attitude to working collaboratively within a team, able to re-prioritise work and support colleagues when required to, sometimes at the expense of your own planned work.
• Flexible – able to successfully deal with uncertainty and change and adapt accordingly. Make decisions in the absence of all the desired facts – willing to take measured risks. Commercial support even where you may not agree with the approach/decision.
• A self-starter, willing to take ownership of matters.

Essential Criteria

To be successful in this role you should:

• Have demonstrable experience of procurement and contract management in a multi-supplier IT environment.
• Be able to demonstrate your skills in identifying, influencing and applying best route to market and contracting options, including e.g. Frameworks (CCS, ESPO, YPO, G-Cloud, DOS etc), FTS, Dynamic Purchasing Systems.  You must also be able to exercise good judgement in selecting appropriate sourcing strategies, and consideration of cost optimisation.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience of leading Commercial activity on projects through the full lifecycle including Contract Management activities such as managing contract exits and transition, handling supplier negotiation and challenges, and driving performance and cost optimisation.
• Understand and ideally have experience of working within a Public Sector contracting environment and to the compliance and governance standards that come from CCIAF.
• Be CIPS qualified, working towards accreditation or willing to do so. IACCM or specialist degree may be considered as an alternative.
• Have achieved the Government Commercial College Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) Practitioner accreditation, be working towards this or willing to do so.  At a later date, the Insolvency Service may elect to accredit all Procurement and Contracts Managers (Commercial Business Partners) to “Expert” level so a willingness to work towards this would be desirable.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,880, Insolvency Service contributes £11,307 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and a 1000-word personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 1000 words and should explain how your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.  

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to interview. 

We will test your experience as part of the sift process, and if successful, you will be invited to a short interview where we will test your behaviours, technical skills, and strengths. Full details of the selection process will be made available to shortlisted candidates once the sift has been completed.

Expected Timeline (subject to change) 

 Sift – W/C 8th April 2024

 Interview – W/C 22nd April 2024 

 Location – MS Teams 

Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Insolvency Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. 

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Transforming Workplaces

The Insolvency Service is currently delivering an exciting five-year transformation project that started in April 2022 which will define our future direction supporting a gradual migration to a Regional Centre model combined with smarter ways of working. As part of this, transforming our estate will align us with the government modernisation programmes making The Insolvency Service a great place to work.  

We are letting you know about our future plans because if you are joining the Insolvency Service and are recruited into an office over the next five years that is not one of the Regional Centres, you will be expected to move to one of the Regional Centres in the future. This move would not attract financial assistance.   

The 11 Regional Centres are : Birmingham, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Exeter, Ipswich, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Stratford.

Hybrid Working

Insolvency Service operates a hybrid working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending a minimum of 60% in the workplace, which includes the office, site visits, court etc.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. 

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: 

Contact Government Recruitment Service via insolvencyrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.