56354 - Assistant Commercial Business Partner / Assistant Commercial Manager

The national salary range is £30,451 - £34,105, London salary range is £34,262 - £38,373. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
2
12 Months
East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, National
National
NATIONAL
HEO
HEO
Fixed Term , Permanent
up to 2 years
Full Time
Commercial

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Job Title: Assistant Commercial Business Partner / Assistant Commercial Manager

Reporting to: Commercial Business Partner / Commercial Manager

Scale: Band C (Higher Executive Officer)

Job Location: National

Posts: 2

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system.  The department serves the public by upholding the rule of law, and by delivering an efficient, fair, timely and effective justice system. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society. 

Our 4 strategic priorities to deliver our vision are:

  • A prison and probation service that reforms offenders;
  • A modern courts and justice system;
  • A Global Britain that promotes the rule of law;
  • A transformed department that is simpler, smarter and more unified.

MoJ Commercial and Contract Management Directorate (CCMD)

The breadth and depth of the work of the Ministry of Justice is significant.  Each year we spend circa £3.2 billion on a diverse range of goods and services.  In addition, we support some of the most innovative commercial work in government and our Directorate’s work is crucial to the successful delivery of prison reform and court reform programmes. 

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has one of the largest and most complex spend profiles in central government. The Commercial and Contract Management Directorate (CCMD) is responsible for coordinating procurement and contract management across the MoJ, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies.

The MoJ spends £3.5bn a year and manages over 1000 active contracts, all of which are sourced and managed by CCMD. We are running some of the most ground-breaking programmes such as Prison Reform and Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service Reform. The scope of our contracts ranges from building, maintenance and the operation of Prisons, Courts and Young Offender establishments through to food for prison dogs. The directorate also buys and manages contracts for feeding up to 80,000 prisoners, the secure escorting of prisoners from numerous establishments based around the country and translation services.

This campaign is for two positions within CCMDs Arm’s Length Bodies and Corporate Services Portfolio.

Assistant Commercial Business Partner (Permanent)

The complex spend profile results in delivery being spread across more than 30 Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) as well as the department itself. The ALB Commercial Portfolio is a new, exciting and expanding area in CCMD’s already diverse and wide range. Its aim; to ensure the department’s ALBs have the appropriate commercial advice and support, while providing effective assurance and governance oversight for the directorate.

As the Assistant Commercial Business Partner, you will build effective relationships across your own portfolio of ALBs. You will be responsible for understanding each of the ALBs within your remit, their unique operational priorities and how these translate into commercial pipelines and risks. You will provide commercial expertise and advice where needed, while working across the portfolio to support a variety of initiatives to improve the overall commercial offering to, and capability of the ALBs. This will include developing and delivering training, assessing and building contract & supplier management capability and supporting the delivery of the overarching communication/engagement strategy. You may also lead sourcing activity from time to time, where ALB requirements are not catered for within existing categories.

Assistant Commercial Manager (2-year fixed term)

The Government Legal Department (GLD) is a non-ministerial department, whose purpose is to assist the Government to operate within the rule of law. Recognising the opportunities collaboration can bring, it has recently been agreed that CCMD will provide support to GLD with their commercial arrangements.

The team will comprise of 3 people initially, sitting within the ‘ALB Business Partnering and MOJ Core Services’ wider portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to play a part in shaping a new area of work, team and recently created wider portfolio.

As the Assistant Commercial Manager, you will play a pivotal role in procuring and commercially contract managing GLDs requirements. You will work in partnership with the business and senior colleagues to set out a clear pipeline of commercial requirements.

At the moment employees attend an MoJ office or commuter hub two days each week.  The ALB Commercial Portfolio is predominantly based out of the Leeds office and some travel, expected to be minimal, may be required.

Responsibilities

  • Build effective working relationships across your own portfolio of ALBs/business areas.
  • Understand each of the ALBs/customers within your remit, their unique operational priorities and how these translate into commercial pipelines and risks.
  • Provide commercial expertise and advice where needed.
  • Working across the portfolio to support a variety of initiatives to improve the overall commercial offering to, and capability of the ALBs
  • Developing and delivering training, assessing and building contract & supplier management capability and supporting the delivery of the overarching communication/engagement strategy.
  • Within the ALB role you may also lead sourcing activity from time to time, where ALB requirements are not catered for within existing categories.

GLD role specifics

  • Lead & support end to end sourcing activity including pre-procurement activity, requirements definition, strategy development, market engagement and producing the invitation to tender pack (including specification, technical and financial evaluation and contract drafting).
  • Lead & support contract implementation and management activity, working closely with stakeholders to deliver mobilisation, performance management, contract variation, negotiation and exit activity

The Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills and an ability to deploy commercial and contract management expertise in a partnership approach. 

Experience

Relevant public sector commercial experience against one or more key elements of the commercial life cycle (define, procure, manage).   

The post holder must be able to demonstrate initiative being a proven self-starter who is hard working and shows drive and enthusiasm;

Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, organise and manage your time and that of others effectively;

Interpersonal and communication skills, evidence of building relationships and communicating with clarity and confidence with stakeholders at different levels of seniority;

Being a team player and working well with others;

Confident user of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and MS Teams.

Qualifications

Candidates must have one of the following or be willing to work towards gaining appropriate qualifications:

  • Member of relevant professional body e.g. CIPS, WCC (previously IACCM) or similar
  • Contract Management Capability Programme Foundation level (available through Government Commercial College)

Success Profiles (Behaviours)

Communicating & Influencing

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests

Making Effective Decisions

Understand own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions. Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making. Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove to be unpopular. Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Managing a Quality Service

Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.

Working Together

Encourage joined up teamwork within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on UKor Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Interviews are expected to be scheduled at the beginning of June

18/05/2022, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

Please quote the job reference - 56354.

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Communicating and Influencing.
if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Managing a Quality Service - 250 word limit
Experience
CV
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Technical Skills
Experience of working within a commercial environment
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

· UK nationals

· nationals of the Republic of Ireland

· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.