Commercial & Procurement Manager
Contract Length: 12 Months
Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: London (Hybrid) 2 - 3 days per week
Clearance: BPSS required, SC preferred

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Commercial & Procurement Manager to join a high-profile government programme, leading commercial and contract management activities across a nationally significant apprenticeship portfolio. This role will be responsible for managing existing supplier relationships, supporting major procurement exercises, and ensuring robust governance, reporting, and contract performance management across multiple stakeholders.
The successful candidate will bring strong government commercial experience, a deep understanding of public sector procurement frameworks, and the ability to operate effectively across complex stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Supplier Management:
* Manage a portfolio of apprenticeship contracts currently in delivery.

* Monitor supplier performance against contractual KPIs and service levels.

* Conduct regular contract management and performance review meetings with providers.

* Address performance issues, risks, and improvement opportunities across varying supplier performance levels.

* Develop and implement effective contract management processes and reporting frameworks.

Procurement & Commercial Delivery:
* Lead and support the re-procurement of apprenticeship contracts through the full procurement life cycle.

* Develop business cases and commercial strategies for new procurements.

* Work closely with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and internal stakeholders throughout procurement exercises.

* Manage supplier engagement, tender processes, evaluation activities, and contract awards.

* Support contract mobilisation and transition into business-as-usual operations.

Governance & Reporting:
* Produce regular commercial and performance reporting for senior government stakeholders.

* Deliver weekly performance updates and contract status reports.

* Support reporting requirements across DSIT, Cabinet Office, and No.10.

* Establish sustainable reporting and governance mechanisms for long-term contract oversight.

Stakeholder Management:
* Collaborate with senior stakeholders across government departments, suppliers, and delivery teams.

* Support commercial activities across both apprenticeship and cyber programme portfolios.

* Provide commercial advice and guidance to programme teams and senior leadership.

Essential Experience & Skills:
* Significant experience working within commercial and procurement functions across UK Government departments.

* Proven experience managing complex supplier contracts and public sector procurement activities.

* Strong understanding of Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks and procurement processes.

* Experience transferring, transitioning, or managing contracts between government departments.

* Knowledge of government commercial governance, reporting structures, and assurance processes.

* Experience developing business cases and supporting end-to-end procurement exercises.

* Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at multiple levels.

* Excellent commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.

Desirable Experience:
* Experience within education, learning, talent acquisition, apprenticeships, or workforce development programmes.

* Understanding of Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.

* Familiarity with project and portfolio management tooling, including JIRA.

* Experience working within cyber, digital, technology, or transformation programmes.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
This role would suit an experienced Commercial Manager, Procurement Manager, Contract Manager, or Commercial Lead who has operated within government environments and understands the complexities of public sector procurement, governance, and reporting. Candidates who have transitioned from project or programme management into commercial leadership roles will be particularly well suited.

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