About the job

Job summary

About the Agency

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. More information can be found here.

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 LGBT+, FACES, Disability & Health, Break the Stigma, Women’s, The Shed, Carers, Part Time Workers, No Limits and Grass Roots. 

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. 

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.

About the Team

The Commercial Team is 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.

Commercial operate a Category Management approach within our Commercial Team, consisting of 3 Category Teams; IT & Software Licensing category, Corporate Services & Operations category and Commercial Governance & CI category. As such we are responsible for a whole lifecycle approach to commercial activities.  This may include leading a requirement from inception, through the Commercial sourcing cycle, mobilisation and contract management, through to Exit and Transition.

Within the Commercial Team at the Insolvency Service, we believe there are huge benefits to working within a small team.  We are able to give our Procurement and Contracts Managers (Commercial Business Partners) access to complex and strategic work which enables them to demonstrate their abilities and take on extra responsibility more than other roles, with appropriate levels of empowerment.  The success of our leadership approach and commercial model is borne out by the fact that our leavers almost always leave only on promotion!

Job description

Responsibilities

This role sits within our IT & Licensing category, the team which is responsible for technology commercials across all ICT products and services and pre-dominantly outsourced third party provisioned services/tools which enable our operational teams to fulfil the agency’s role. These include e.g.  End User Compute services, Applications development, maintenance and support, Cloud Hosting (MS Azure), Services Integration and Management (SIAM), Network services, Unified Comms, procurement of essential hardware and range of Microsoft and other software products. All of these along with Core Technology management 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 IT and Software Licensing Category as part of the Insolvency Service’s Commercial Team. Currently this role has a specific focus on SIAM (Service Integration and Management) and Core Technology Management. We operate a cross functional relationship model, and you’ll build relationships and manage stakeholders (often in more senior grades) across a directorate or the agency, in order to provide them with commercial expertise for their SIAM related or impacted technology requirements, providing support for individual technology contracts, as you manage the over-arching SIAM eco-system contract; oversight of the impacts on  or of SIAM and Core Technology Management services is key – being able to impact against other technology services and working collaboratively with your commercial colleagues to maintain an effective and consistent commercial function that delivers the desired technology outcomes in a truly integrated manner. Contract Management is a further feature of this role

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

Person specification

The Attributes for Government Commercial Professionals are set out in Government Commercial Function (GCF) People Standards for the Profession, Version 3.0.

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

• Lead SIAM and Core Technology Management Commercial activity for the IT category and across the full commercial lifecycle (sourcing, contract mobilisation, transition, contract management, performance and relationship management). The SIAM and Core Technology contracts are key commercial agreements within the Category, and in both cases the Modern Workplace Programme have impacted these, and the agreements are therefore subject to change still, with lots of commercial challenges ahead;
• Act as the 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;
• Be at the forefront of decision making, Commercial Strategy and delivery of the future SIAM and Core Technology Management Models, sourcing all relevant contracts and managing the strategic transition to new Suppliers;
• 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 Procurement and Contracts Manager (Commercial Business Partner) for impacting and actioning contractual / service changes that affect the Insolvency Service in your area of responsibility. Need to be pro-active and forward thinking
• Risk and Opportunity Management – develop and maintain commercial risk / opportunities log across the services you manage, identifying risks/issues, establishing and delivering appropriate risk mitigation.
• Communicating new / changed requirements to the wider Category team and share best practice.
• Support the Head of Category in handling supplier issues, formal challenges / disputes, providing options and making recommendations.
• Developing and sustaining relationships with internal agency and external stakeholders including DBT, Cabinet Office, GDS, GCO and CCS as well as suppliers.
• Working collaboratively and flexibly to meet the Agency’s needs in terms of commercial provision, recognising the complexities and dependencies of our Technology landscape and the aims of our Agency Five Year Strategy.
• Applying robust governance and assurance to meet compliance requirements across the Agency, DBT, Cabinet Office, GDS and HMT and ensuring adherence to Government Commercial Operating 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 within a Public Sector environment, i.e. Routes to Market (pro’s and con’s), 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.
• Someone who is keen to share experiences and knowledge with colleagues, to the benefit of the wider commercial team and the agency as a whole.
• Keen to “make a difference” to the agency. Working with CTS colleagues to inform the Agency’s technology sourcing strategy seeking to streamline and simplify the overall picture. Our expertise and advice directly shape the strategy and operating models of the Insolvency Service.
• 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 understanding of commercial management in a SIAM multi-supplier environment.
• Be able to demonstrate recent strong commercial experience of working within multi-functional teams, providing commercial expertise and appropriate challenge.
• Be committed to continuous improvement of the commercial function and a strong team player, both within and beyond the category team
• 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.
• Experience of using G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes and other DDaT focussed Frameworks would be ideal.
• Ability to work within an agile environment, delivering at pace and considering multiple solutions to achieve the desired outcome in collaboration with stakeholders. This includes both the sourcing process and quality contract drafting and handover into Contract Management.
• 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, and how you dealt with challenges. Able to evidence base contract management of suppliers in a structured way.
• Be able to evidence how you identify and drive savings and efficiencies and deliver against performance targets, and when you have had to take corrective action how this has been successfully managed.
• Understand and ideally have experience of working within a Public Sector environment and team that works within the GCF framework 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,  a 1250 word personal statement, and Behaviours. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. 

You should upload your CV and complete the supporting statement detailing how you meet the following lead criteria in no more than 1250 words:

• IT pre-sourcing, sourcing and contract management using cross-govt frameworks and / or Digital Marketplace.
• Leading Commercial activity within a multi-supplier IT ecosystem (preferably under a SIAM model).
• Track record of resolving issues with requirements and priorities across stakeholders and suppliers.
• Deploying effective contract and supplier management, management of change, to drive value and performance.
• Effectively engaging and influencing stakeholders at varying levels of seniority within the agency and supplier base.

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

We will test your experience as part of the sift process, 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 08 January 2024

Interview – w/c 22 January 2024

Location - Microsoft 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 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.

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.