About the job

Job summary

Our priorities

Optimise public R&D investment to support areas of relative UK strength and increase the level of private R&D to make our economy the most innovative in the world.

Promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs – including by delivering world-class physical and digital infrastructure (such as gigabit broadband), making the UK the best place to start and grow a technology business and developing and attracting top talent.

Put public services – including the NHS and schools – at the forefront of innovation, championing new ways of working and the development of in-house STEM capability to improve outcomes for people.

Strengthen international collaboration on science and technology in line with the Integrated Review, and ensure our researchers are able to continue to work with leading scientists in Europe and around the world.

Deliver legislative and regulatory reforms to drive competition and promote innovation, including the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill and our pro-innovation approach to regulating AI.

Our Inclusive Environment

We have an inclusive culture which makes the Department a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it helps us be more innovative.

 We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.

We welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion and fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/departmentforsciencetechnologyandinnovation?

You can also follow our LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/  

Please note that DSIT are currently reviewing our terms and conditions and pay arrangements following Machinery of Government changes and as part of the outstanding August 2023 pay award.  Please be aware that there may be changes to the terms and conditions and pay ranges listed in this advert ahead of you starting in post. Any changes would be implemented in early 2024.

Job description

The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 9 Departments (listed at end). It is a unique cross-government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions such as HR, Finance or Procurement, commonly known as Shared Services.​
​
The Programme is part of the Shared Services Team, a fantastic team passionate about improving the existing shared services experience for DSIT and its partners whilst working to deliver the strategic objectives of the new Government Shared Services Strategy!​

We will deliver the Government's three overarching objectives for shared services:​

1. Better experience for all users - intuitive systems that are easy to use and mobile-enabled.​

2. Efficiency and value for money - better systems and services which support productivity and seek to reduce costs.​

3. Standardised processes and data - support interoperability, making it easier to understand and compare corporate data. ​

Departments forming the Matrix Programme: Cabinet Office (CO), Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Department for Business Trade (DBT), Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Department for Education (DfE), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Attorney’s General Office (AGO) and His Majesty's Treasury (HMT).

Person specification

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced supplier/contract manager to bring their skills, experience and creativity to Matrix and be at the forefront of our supplier management approach for our Future Shared Services arrangements. The Operational Contract Management Lead will be a key interface for the Matrix Programme in the Programme Management and Operations Pillar which is an enabling pillar across the entire programme. The role holder will be responsible for managing and developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders at Senior Manager and Director level to represent and ensure the Matrix Programme strategic vision is delivered.​

The post holder will work closely with the Head of Delivery Management, Finance and Commercial teams ensuring that the governance process of Operational Contract management is followed ensuring smooth transitions between statements of work and stability of external resources across the programme inline with the business case requirements. May also hold line management responsibilities and/or be responsible for allocation of work to team members.

• Design and develop robust KPIs in conjunction with various work-streams across the programme which support supplier performance commitments and accountabilities.​
  
• Ensuring performance commitments are backed-up with appropriate KPIs and productive working relationships are established across the departments to support the development of the shared services function for Matrix departments and suppliers.​
  
• Continue to implement the management approach for strategic suppliers and stakeholders which will achieve the best outcomes for Matrix whilst accommodating a complex multi-supplier/stakeholder environment.​
  
• Build and maintain strong effective relationships with stakeholders and colleagues to confidently challenge, influence and negotiate positive outcomes and solutions.​
  
• Working closely to establish effective, working relationships with stakeholders of differing experience levels and knowledge of public sector rules and regulations, which requires experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.​
  
• Strong leadership capability, being able to illustrate how to successfully lead a team or manage a project.​
  
• Aid contingency planning and transition from current contract to newly procured contracts at contract expiry. ​
  
• Accountable for robust management of the contract review process, including financial and performance monitoring, to completing related reports for discussion in holding providers to account and negotiating budgets and targets.​
  
• Accountable for securing relevant assurances of compliance on the implementation of specifications, new services, national instructions, audit and Inspectorate recommendations and highlight barriers to compliance and provide feedback and recommendations.​
  
• Accountable for ensuring that contracts remain fit‐for‐purpose by determining, negotiating and implementing contract variations and all other contract requirements alongside commercial contract management and finance teams ensuring value for money is upheld.​
  
• Responsible for identifying issues that might impact on contract delivery and taking the appropriate action, which entails supporting the development of remedial action and manage this through to conclusion or escalate as appropriate, to resolve and mitigate risks.​
  
• To be a key interface between Matrix and the provider for delivery issues and relationship management. To co‐ordinate a schedule for formal reviews for all contracts held for the complete operational year, ensuring that all the key representatives attend which includes relevant senior managers.​
  
• Building on the relationship with each provider, develop and implement a mature, effective and appropriate contract relationship for the monitoring of each contract​
  
• Working with the provider’s contract representative(s) to determine the information that is required to demonstrate contract compliance and thoroughly analyse it so that the Matrix Programmes aims, objectives and values are being achieved. This is demonstrated through a wide range of evidence, reports and observations.​
  
• The post holder continuously analyses and challenges contract performance utilising a complex range of data from a wide range of sources e.g. Provider data including Risk registers, Board assurance, Financial reports; data including Performance hub, Audit reports, Finance documents, reports and intelligence gathered from the operational stakeholders. Through enhanced dialogue with the provider, negotiate and agree a plan of action to address deficiencies or make the decision to escalate as appropriate.​
  
• The post holder will detail and report on exceptions and risk to the formal contract/portfolio review meeting, including any agreed or non‐agreed rectification actions. As a standing member of the contract review meeting the post holder will present the issues and make recommendations to the relevant senior leader.​
  
• Responsible for ensuring that contracts remain fit for purpose by identifying and responding to issues that require contract variations to be instigated, including policy or delivery changes, evaluating business cases and instigating the contract variation process as required.​
  
• Ensure that all starters/leavers across our managed service providers follow the onboarding/offboarding process. This includes but is not limited to checking and arranging security clearances, ensuring that any hardware/IT kit is arranged in good time and a detailed onboarding/induction is arranged with the relevant teams across the process and access to granted/removed as appropriate.

Skills and experience

Required: ​

• Contract management experience and a good knowledge of contract management and commercial principles​
  
• Knowledge/experience in large scale projects and programmes​
  
• Strong ability to influence and negotiate with a wide network of senior stakeholders, including across functions or with external providers.  ​
  
• Previous experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships as this is a role that is all about bringing together different stakeholders to ensure common goals are achieved.​
  
• An ability to gather and use information, data, insight and evidence, using analytical skills to inform decisions on complex issues​
  
• MS Office 365, SharePoint and MS Teams Skills (intermediate level).​
  ​
  

Desirable:​

• CIPS (Level 4)​
  
• MCIPS (Level 6)​
  
• Project/Programme Management Qualifications e.g APMQ, PRINCE2, MSP​

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £50,305, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £13,582 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 and Experience.

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

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 750 words) to demonstrate how you fulfil the key responsibilities and criteria.

In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the CV.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Candidates will be sifted on behavioural statements, CV, and personal statement.

The interview will consist of behaviour and strength based questions.

Sift and interview dates

Expected Timeline subject to change

Sift dates: w/c 12/02/2024

Interview dates: 19/02/2024

Interview Location: MS Teams.

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

Further Information

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.

We fully support adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.

We do not have an exhaustive list of adjustments that we support but just some examples include additional time to complete your application form, behaviour questions up to 72 hours prior to interview and having extra time at interview.

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

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

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

A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home). 

DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

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

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

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). 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.