Commercial Manager

Certes; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 116,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Certes is seeking a Commercial Manager for a 6-month contract in the UK. The role focuses on delivering professional procurement services across defence categories, developing supplier networks, and ensuring high standards in governance and process.

Hybrid working in Surrey with remote elements is anticipated, matching government client expectations. The ideal candidate will have extensive procurement experience, PCR/DSPCR knowledge, and strong supplier engagement skills to manage multiple

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in procurement
• Public sector procurement knowledge is essential
• Familiar with PCR and DSPCR in defence
• Experience managing supplier relationships and market intelligence
• Strong negotiation and contracting capabilities
• Understanding of CP&F in defence procurement
• MCIPS qualification or working toward it
• Experience leading multiple procurements concurrently
• Proven ability to prepare tender and contract documents

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement process across defence-related categories
• Develop, grow and maintain the supplier base for the client
• Coordinate tendering, evaluation and contract negotiations with suppliers
• Provide communications to stakeholders and ensure compliance and quality
• Manage risks in the supply chain and monitor supplier performance
• Prepare ITT docs, notices, SQs and evaluations
• Engage stakeholders across government departments to ensure alignment

Skills

Procurement

Public sector

PCR/DSPCR

Supplier management

Negotiation

Contracting & Finance

MCIPS

Tendering

Risk management

Job description

Commercial Manager

Duration: 6 Months

Location: Surrey & remote (hybrid)

Rate: £630 - £650 per day

IR35 Status: Inside

Start: ASAP...

A Commercial Manager is required for our Government client to provide a professional procurement service across a diverse range of Categories specifically within defence.

You will also develop, grow and maintain the supplier base which will involve communications and interactions in order for the team to meets its obligation of growing and promoting the product across defence and its global network. You will be a confident and decisive communicator who works well under pressure with strong time and workload management capability, business process awareness and a service orientated mind set in order to deliver the control, accuracy, consistency and quality required.

You will be a confident and decisive communicator who works well under pressure and is capable of delivering accurate information, whilst managing multiple procurements (in an appropriate context and at a desired level of detail) to the Clients stakeholders, suppliers and other government departmental stakeholders.

Essential Skills & Experience required:

As the Commercial Manager you will possess

• Extensive experience of working within a procurement role
• Extensive working experience of developing public sector commercial and procurement documentation
• Possess a working knowledge of PCR and DSPCR (Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations)
• Working experience of Supplier and Market Management
• Experience of negotiating and building partnerships with suppliers
• Evidence of managing risk in the supply chain and supply chain development
• Evidence of stakeholder engagement and ability to identify key stakeholders and implement appropriate communications
• Full MCIPS (level 4) qualified or working towards this
• Working experience of Contracting, Purchasing and Finance (CP&F); the defence electronic procurement system for sourcing, contracting and procurement used for all defence contracts to align business case / financial approval with contract activity.
• Understanding of Exostar accounts (the supplier’s interface with CP&F) to allow suppliers access to contracts, invoicing, and payments.
• Experience in running multiple procurements concurrently
• Lead on: preparation of tender and contract documentation, analysis and evaluation of submissions, negotiations with suppliers.
• Demonstrate financial and commercial acumen in the evaluation of quotes/tenders as well as financial standing of suppliers;
• Demonstrate working experience of procurement processes, including drafting ITT documentation, FTS Notices, SQs and ITT documentation;