Commercial Category Lead

Summer Browning; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Summer-Browning Associates is recruiting a Commercial Category Lead for an IT DDaT program in London. The role covers end-to-end procurement for IT digital, data and technology initiatives in the public sector, including AI, data platforms, SaaS, cloud and infrastructure.

You will lead and mentor a commercial team, negotiate with suppliers, and engage stakeholders while applying government playbooks and CCS frameworks. Active SC clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in end-to-end procurement for IT DDaT initiatives within the public sector.
• Proven track record procuring AI, data platforms, SaaS, digital delivery services, cloud technologies, and infrastructure.
• Leadership experience guiding and mentoring a commercial team to achieve results.
• Strong commercial acumen for negotiating with suppliers, managing costs, and engaging stakeholders.
• Understanding of government playbooks, policies, and guidelines for IT digital and data strategies.
• Hands-on experience with CCS Frameworks and call-off procedures, mini-competitions, direct awards, and dynamic purchasing models.
• Familiarity with Green Book business cases.
• Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
• Professional certifications such as MCIPS or IACCM.

Responsibilities

Skills

End-to-end IT procurement

IT DDaT procurement

AI procurement

SaaS procurement

Cloud technologies

Infrastructure procurement

Leadership and mentoring

Negotiation and stakeholder management

Government frameworks and playbooks

CCS Frameworks and call-off procedures

Green Book business cases

Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contrs

MCIPS or IACCM

Job description

Commercial Category Lead - IT DDaT (Digital, Data and Technology)

Summer-Browning Associates is currently supporting a client within Central Government who is seeking a Commercial Category Lead r for an initial 6-month assignment, with the possibility of extension.

Location: London | Hybrid Working

The ideal candidate will have active SC clearance and a strong background in Senior Commercial Management, along with the following skills and experiences: -

• Experience in conducting end-to-end procurement for IT digital, data, and technology (DDaT) initiatives within the public sector.
• A proven track record of procuring innovative solutions, including AI, data platforms, Software as a Service (SaaS), digital delivery services, cloud technologies, and infrastructure.
• Leadership experience in guiding and mentoring a commercial team to achieve collective success.
• Strong commercial acumen for negotiating with suppliers, managing costs effectively, and engaging stakeholders to foster productive relationships.
• A comprehensive understanding of government playbooks, policies, and guidelines, particularly those related to sourcing IT digital and data strategies.
• Hands-on experience managing procurements through CCS Frameworks and other frameworks, including call-off procedures, mini-competitions, direct awards, and dynamic purchasing models.
• Familiarity with business cases in accordance with HMT's Green Book framework.
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or IACCM (International Association for Contract & Commercial Management)