Defence Digital Commercial - Senior Commercial Manager - Space Category

UK Ministry of Defence; Is-sur-Tille; Hybride; GBP 44 000 - 52 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking a procurement professional to join the Defence Digital Space Category team. This role involves leading procurements for military satellites and supporting strategic communications. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training and development opportunities, including funding for professional qualifications. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation in procurement practices.

Prestations

Comprehensive training for CIPS qualifications

Public sector pension contributions

Flexible working options

Access to sports facilities

Qualifications

• In-depth experience in a commercial or procurement environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Leading competitive procurements for military satellite systems.
• Sourcing and managing contracts for space services.
• Ensuring effective support for military communication systems.

Connaissances

Commercial experience

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Contract management

Formation

CIPS Level 4

Description du poste

MOD Corsham, Wiltshire (SN13 9ET) as base location. This job role is suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (the permanent duty station), which is based on business assessment of where the work is best done) and working from home as a personal choice (if the role is suitable for this). If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Job Summary

We are looking for talented and hard-working individuals with demonstrable commercial experience or transferable skills, to join us in providing a full procurement service for digital technology capability across Defence.

Defence Digital is responsible for delivering and integrating new digital capabilities, giving our forces the advantage on the cyber battlefield to combat an ever-evolving threat.

In support, Defence Digital Commercial is building a centre of procurement excellence, focusing on getting the best outcomes across all our contracts. We are developing a more strategic approach to supplier relationship management and implementing new ways of working that will embed good practice category management.

We are committed to developing our staff, providing opportunities to develop and grow within an inclusive and supportive environment. You will work within a highly capable, diverse team who will support you to develop your professional and personal skills, knowledge, and experience, including a fully funded professional qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

Job Description

The Defence Digital Space Category team provides commercial support to the SKYNET family of military communication satellites that are currently operated for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and which provide strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and Allies.

The Space Category team in Defence Digital are responsible for placing and managing contracts in support of the MOD’s satellite communication capabilities, which includes the military satellites, ground support infrastructure, terminals, modems, and bandwidth. This is an exciting time to join the Space Category, as we transition to a pan-Government Enterprise Space Category (ESC), that aims to drive collaborative behaviours, improved procurement strategies and deliver better value for money across Government in Space

The Roles Available Within The Team Cover The Full Range Of Activities Required Of The Commercial Function To Help Defence Digital Deliver The SKYNET 6 Programme. This Includes:

• Leading and supporting competitive and single-source procurements for the next generation of new and complex military satellites, ground infrastructure, terminals and other equipment;
• Sourcing and contract management of Space Professional Services contracts;
• Management of existing contracts to deliver the critical in-service support to the SKYNET system; and,
• Management of existing contracts to design and manufacture satellites and equipment that will sustain the programme into the next decade.
• All members of the Space Category team will also be actively involved in the development and implementation of the pan-government Enterprise Space Category through inputs into the category strategy and related workstreams.
• Some of the roles will have line management responsibility.
  
  

The post advertised is full time equivalent. There may be opportunities for part time candidates if a job share partnership can be established, subject to full time hours being achievable. Offers made to candidates below 37 hours per week (FTE) will be subject to business need and at the Authority's sole discretion.

As part of flexible resourcing, reserve candidates may be offered alternative roles within DD Commercial teams, although key responsibilities will remain the same.

The Defence Digital Space Category team provides commercial support to the SKYNET family of military communication satellites that are currently operated for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and which provide strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and Allies.

The Space Category team in Defence Digital are responsible for placing and managing contracts in support of the MOD’s satellite communication capabilities, which includes the military satellites, ground support infrastructure, terminals, modems, and bandwidth. This is an exciting time to join the Space Category, as we transition to a pan-Government Enterprise Space Category (ESC), that aims to drive collaborative behaviours, improved procurement strategies and deliver better value for money across Government in Space

The Roles Available Within The Team Cover The Full Range Of Activities Required Of The Commercial Function To Help Defence Digital Deliver The SKYNET 6 Programme. This Includes:

• Leading and supporting competitive and single-source procurements for the next generation of new and complex military satellites, ground infrastructure, terminals and other equipment;
• Sourcing and contract management of Space Professional Services contracts;
• Management of existing contracts to deliver the critical in-service support to the SKYNET system; and,
• Management of existing contracts to design and manufacture satellites and equipment that will sustain the programme into the next decade.
• All members of the Space Category team will also be actively involved in the development and implementation of the pan-government Enterprise Space Category through inputs into the category strategy and related workstreams.
• Some of the roles will have line management responsibility.
  
  

The post advertised is full time equivalent. There may be opportunities for part time candidates if a job share partnership can be established, subject to full time hours being achievable. Offers made to candidates below 37 hours per week (FTE) will be subject to business need and at the Authority's sole discretion.

As part of flexible resourcing, reserve candidates may be offered alternative roles within DD Commercial teams, although key responsibilities will remain the same.

Person specification

• In depth experience in a commercial or procurement environment, including managing tender processes and contract management
• Experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies.
• Experience in supplier management
• Experience of leading, managing and developing others.
• Stakeholder management and influencing, with strong communication skills
• Confident with making decisions and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage competing priorities, assess information rapidly and be flexible to respond to dynamic situations
• Candidates should have Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, CIPS Level 4, or be willing to achieve this qualification by commencing study once in post. This will be fully funded and supported by MOD.
  
  

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
  
  

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• People Standards for the Profession - Understanding Needs and Sourcing Options - Associate Commercial Lead
• People Standards for the Profession - Contract and Supplier Management - Associate Commercial Lead
  
  

Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Hybrid working options including some working from home where appropriate, although we expect the role to require office working on 4 days per week
• Commercial Market Skills Allowance of £1500 per annum, payable to staff on completion of CIPS Level 4 and mandatory commercial e-learning courses.
• Fully funded training for professional qualifications with Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), a global membership organisation
• MOD Corsham has on site parking, staff restaurant, coffee shops, sports facilities including fully equipped 24/7 gym for a fraction of the cost of a commercial gym. Classes run daily by fully trained PT instructors.
• MOD Corsham is a modern building surrounded by countryside, perfect for lunchtimes walks.
  
  

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD 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/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Selection process details

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

Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in both your CV and suitability statement. Please complete the CV section setting out your career history, including key responsibilities and achievements. You must also complete a suitability statement (of no more than 1250 words). This is your opportunity to provide us with additional information that highlights relevant achievements and experience, and the required skills and Behaviours listed in this advertisement that make you suitable for the role.

Note: you will NOT be able to attach your CV as a separate document. Applicants may use AI when preparing documents, but the content must be factually accurate.

At Interview Stage:

You will have the opportunity to provide further detail supporting your application, specifically relating to the Skills (People Standards for the Profession - Associate Commercial Lead) and Behaviours (CS Behaviours - Level 3).

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

During the interview stage, candidates will be assessed against the following Behaviours and technical skills:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Understanding Needs & Sourcing Options
• Uses pre-market engagement to inform the requirement and determine the most effective route to market.
• Influences customer requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Understands end to end procurement life cycle and tools required to deliver effective outcomes.
• Understands the contract management requirements and considers these in the sourcing process to ensure fit for purpose contracts are implemented.
• Competent in leading negotiation of pricing and contract terms for high value and complex deals.
• Able to work with procurement policies and processes to ensure compliant and time efficient procurement decisions.
• Understands and applies Category Management principles, building into procurement decisions at the outset.
• Builds and maintains relationships with Stakeholders throughout the process
• Contract & Supplier Management
• Understands and is able to apply and advise others on contract management processes.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of terms and conditions of the contract, including its deliverables and works with the supplier to establish a plan for delivering them.
• Effectively manages contract and supplier risks implementing mitigation and resolution plans.
• Effectively manages contract change throughout the life of the contract.
• Ensures ongoing value for money throughout the life of the contract.
• Develops opportunities to incentivise contract delivery and continuous performance improvement.
• Effective contract management including re-tendering, exit and transition.
• Understands the principles of supplier and performance management to optimise outcomes.
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of suppliers against the contract terms using management information eg KPIs, taking remedial action as necessary.
• Manages and maintains good supplier relationships.
• Manage and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Effectively manage dispute resolution.
  

Candidates invited to interview will be required to deliver a short (5 minute) presentation on the topic: 'What makes a good Leader in the Procurement function?'

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Please read this document prior to completing your application.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please note: internal candidates must include their staff number when prompted during the application process.

Interviews are planned from week commencing June 30th 2025 (subject to change)

Should you have any queries relating to the vacancy information or sift and interview process, please contact the recruiting line manager using the contact details listed on the vacancy. Please do not direct vacancy related queries to the recruitment team as they will be unable to advise.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail].

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : [e-mail] Lesley Kelson / Tracy Magner
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application.If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].