Digital Commercial Manager

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Manchester is looking for a Procurement Specialist to manage procurement processes, advise on contract management, and ensure compliance. The role requires extensive experience in public sector procurement of digital goods and services. The ideal candidate will help shape procurement strategies while working within a diverse and supportive team. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension scheme

32.5 days annual leave

Hybrid working (40 percent office based)

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development programme

Employee discount scheme

Bicycle loan scheme

Season ticket loan

Gym membership subsidy

Paid for professional memberships

Eye test reimbursement

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in public sector procurement of digital goods and services required.
• Ability to act as a strategic advisor and partner to internal teams is crucial.
• Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on procurement and contract management.
• Manage the full procurement process from planning to contract negotiation.
• Build relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Public sector procurement of digital goods and services

Strategic advising and partnership

Contract drafting and negotiation

Commercial elements of licensing and cloud computing

MCIPS or equivalent

Education

Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS)

Job description

Role Overview

This role is responsible for delivering effective commercial and procurement practices across the organisation, with a specific focus on our digital products. It ensures our purchasing is conducted in full compliance with statutory requirements while securing demonstrable value for money, and that our contracts are properly managed.

Responsibilities

• Give clear advice on procurement and contract management to help teams meet their goals through strong commercial practices.
• Manage the full procurement process, from planning and tendering to contract negotiation and ongoing supplier performance.
• Analyse markets and engage with suppliers to shape requirements and test ideas.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
• Ensure risks are effectively managed throughout procurement and commercial activities.
• Stay up to date with government policies, digital trends, and market changes to guide decisions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in public sector procurement of digital goods and services, including partnership arrangements, call-off contracts, co-development, and intellectual property.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a strategic advisor and partner to internal teams, supporting them in achieving their objectives.
• Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensuring compliance and performance monitoring.
• Experience of the commercial elements of licensing, cloud computing, capital and revenue funding, and the technology/digital lifecycle.
• Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent.
• We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
• We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team, including people who are: Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background; disabled; LGBTQ+.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Salary and Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,374, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman contributes £16,331 towards your membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• Civil Service Pension scheme
• 32.5 days annual leave
• Hybrid working (40 percent office based)
• Flexible working
• Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
• Comprehensive learning and development programme
• Employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
• Bicycle loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Gym membership subsidy
• Paid for professional memberships
• Eye test reimbursement

Inclusion & Wellbeing

• An anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased.
• Monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels.
• Providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues.
• Creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs.
• Part of the Disability Confident scheme.
• Providing reasonable adjustments.
• Engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.

About the Organisation

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first, and we find ways to put it right.

Based in the centre of Manchester, we employ 600 individuals who collaborate to make voices heard. We have created a diverse and inclusive culture, while offering flexibility to give you the autonomy to work in the best way suited to you.

Application Process

We only advertise job vacancies through official channels (our website, LinkedIn, Civil Service Jobs, GOV.uk, Indeed, Ombudsman association). Contact our recruitment team to report any concerns at [e-mail]. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.