Commercial Manager - Science

Michael Page (UK); Potters Bar; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK public sector agency is seeking a Procurement Specialist to deliver procurement across the Science category, managing relationships and tender processes. The successful applicant will have public sector procurement experience and a strong understanding of contract management. This hybrid position offers a basic salary of £46,160, excellent civil service benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Working on-site two days a week at the MHRA Office, this role is crucial for improving commercial outcomes within the agency.

Benefits

Excellent civil service pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus band holidays

Flexible working

Interest-free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Experience of procurement in the public sector.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end Public Sector Procurement lifecycle.
• Experience of Public Sector Contracts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver procurement and commercial activity across the Science category.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Manage high and low value tenders.

Skills

Public sector procurement experience

Contract management

Stakeholder negotiation

Understanding of Public Contracts Regulations

Job description

• Hybrid working (2 days on site)
• Excellent Public Sector Benefits

About Our Client

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The agency is made up of c.1600 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.

The agency consists of Corporate, Partnerships, Transformation, Governance, Communications & Engagement, Scientific Research & Innovation, Healthcare Quality & Access, Safety & Surveillance and Technology groups.

The Commercial Function reports to the Chief Finance Officer and is charged with improving commercial outcomes, driving value for money, embedding a stronger commercial focus, reducing risk, and improving commercial capability across the MHRA.

The Commercial team is responsible for the purchase of goods, services and works in the categories of: Digital and Technology, Facilities Management (FM), Science, and Corporate; with a combined portfolio of circa 400 contracts and an addressable spend approximately £70m per annum.

Job Description

• Deliver procurement and commercial activity across the Science category to include engaging with stakeholders at all levels and working in partnership with Agency divisions to develop and execute strategies for sourcing requirements in line with the Agency procurement policy and category strategy. Run end to end procurements
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business needs and desired outcomes
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships, driving value for money and contract performance.
• Manage high and low value tenders, ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement processes.
• Actively managing the procurement pipeline by ensuring awareness of incoming projects and impending contracts expiring over the short / medium and long term and engaging with contract owners to develop and implement strategies.
• Deliver robust and compliant contracts that demonstrate value for money, maximize the return on investment, manage risk appropriately and deliver improved performance, seeking alternative commercial and service delivery models as appropriate
• Provide support and advice for the stakeholder community and promote procurement excellence, and good contract management whilst actively challenging inappropriate processes or bad practice to aid compliance.
• Support and maintain accurate record keeping and administration of commercial activities across the Science category including supporting and driving our transparency obligations and driving reporting of commercial activities. Administering commercial activities also includes tender management on e-sourcing platform (Atamis).

The Successful Applicant

• Experience of procurement in either in the public sector.
• Evidence of developing, implementing, and administering purchasing strategies and drafting contracts that require analysis, comparison, and assessment.
• Successful negotiation and issue resolution and advising and supporting stakeholders
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end Public Sector Procurement lifecycle and core principles in particular the respective responsibilities of procurement and wider stakeholder groups, understanding the market procurement and tender administration with a good grasp of contract management principles.
• Understanding and experience of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023
• Good understanding of complex policies and guidance and being able to interpret, explain and apply them to senior stakeholders to support decision making.
• Experience of Public Sector Contracts.

What's on Offer

• Basic Salary £46,160
• Hybrid working policy. 2 days per week on site (including every Wednesday) at the MHRA Office at South Mimms (EN6 3QH)
• Excellent civil service pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus band holidays rising by 1 day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30
• Flexible working
• Interest‑free season ticket loan or bike loan
• CoreCare - employee assistance services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)

Application date closes 11.59pm Sunday 18th January.

Interviews will take place (1 Stage on Teams) Thursday 29th January.