Senior Commercial Category Manager

Michael Page (UK); Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

About Our Client

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic role with brilliant self-development and learning opportunities. If not already held, the role holder will be provided with the time and funding to complete their qualification to obtain membership to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS). This membership will also be funded yearly by the organisation while in role.

The purpose of this role is to provide DVSA operations with an exemplar commercial experience in line with Government Commercial Function (GCF) best practice, by leading on the delivery of a Commercial Category Management approach.

The role holder will be responsible for all stages of the commercial life cycle and will need to be able to show value by providing cost savings and cost avoidance while improving the Category Management function. Senior Commercial Category Managers will work collaboratively with stakeholders on subcategory plans and will be able to determine best routes to market and lifecycle management by delivering a risk-based approach, enabling business-led buying. This role requires superb relationship-building skills in supplier and internal customer relationship environments, where you will influence and negotiate outcomes with stakeholders and maintain collaborative relationships with them.

Category Management is recognised as best commercial practice by the Government Commercial Function (Cabinet Office) and supports the DVSA Commercial Strategy. The Category Management approach means that commercial requirements are brigaded into categories by spend and type and managed holistically through the entire commercial cycle (pre-procurement and market engagement; procurement; and contract management and benefits realisation), resulting in improved commercial services to the business and cashable and non-cashable efficiency savings over the whole life of commercial arrangement.

Job Description

The Senior Commercial Category Manager will deliver an effective, and improving, commercial service of one or more sub-categories. There may also be opportunities to develop policy, improve process and deliver an element of assurance to the commercial function & wider DVSA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading a team to continue the development of the Category Management approach across DVSA.
• Responsible for team delivery against the strategies.
• Operate within a regulated public sector commercial environment consistent with the GCF Commercial Operating Standards for Government.
• Operate across one or more sub-categories with a value of c£25m.

The Successful Applicant

We are looking for candidates who have experience of the commercial cycle including pre-competitive supplier engagement, supplier selection, tender evaluation, contract award and ongoing contract management, as well as an understanding of the Procurement Act 2023. Candidates will also have experience of the procurement lifecycle within a public sector environment, which includes:

• Understanding Needs and Sourcing Options.
• Procurement Process and ongoing Contract and Supplier Management.
• PCR 2015 Public Procurement Regulations.
• Strategy and Policy Development.
• Using Crown Commercial Service frameworks.

There is also a requirement for candidates to possess or to be willing to work towards their MCIPS (Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification in post. Experience of operating in a category management environment or knowledge of the principles of a category management approach will also be a requirement.

Strong stakeholder-influencing skills are essential as candidates may need to manage conflict and find effective resolutions. They must be able to make appropriate decisions (even at times of pressure) and know when an escalation is required to ensure successful outcomes are achieved. They must be an effective leader who can lead and manage a team to continue the development of Category Management.

What's on Offer

• A competitive salary starting from £38,563 per annum.
• An additional RRA allowance may be applicable with qualifications: £2,000 for diploma level CIPS or £4,000 for full MCIPS membership.
• Generous holiday leave.
• A vibrant company culture that values employee development and work-life balance.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the public sector, specifically within transportation and safety.

We invite all qualified candidates based in Bristol or willing to relocate, to apply for this rewarding opportunity in the public sector.