Associate Commercial Specialist – Passport Print & Delivery

Building a strong Commercial Function in Government, and with it the right commercial capability, is at the heart of a far-reaching programme of Civil Service reform.

We are building a cadre of commercial talent in all Government departments; people who can manage our commercial portfolios, who can lead our most complex and novel programmes and projects, people who have the gravitas and depth of experience to work alongside our policy and operational leaders to develop innovative commercial arrangements, whether through joint ventures, outsourcing or best-in-class contracts.

The Government Commercial Organisation is an employer which is truly committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and are able to perform to their potential. We understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and strive for a workplace that reflects the communities which we serve. We especially welcome applications from underrepresented groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with a disability and candidates with gender-diverse identities. Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

We have already made significant progress through the establishment of the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), our single employer of senior commercial talent across government. This role will sit within the GCO, but based in our HO commercial team delivering departmental objectives.

The primary responsibility for the role is to commercially manage 3 Gold and Silver contracts worth close to £0.5bn that support the production and delivery of UK passports. This is a fast paced, high profile and complex environment. The services and related contracts are critical in the end-to-end delivery of passports and their associated activity and are subject to Ministerial scrutiny and sensitivity.

The role is a key member of the Commercial Customer Services leadership team and is required to work collaboratively with other Commercial leaders and the SCS1, in the team. They are required to coach and lead a team of civil servants and interims.

The role is responsible for representing the Commercial Business Partner Team in Senior meetings with stakeholders and suppliers, managing risks, and giving robust and trusted advice as well ensuring all data is up to date and accurate, and ensuring timely responses to Commercial Freedom of Information requests and Parliamentary Questions.

The role requires a commercial professional who has experience of monitoring supplier performance and actioning remedies where SLAs/Obligations are missed, and ensuring an audit trail to safeguard the Authority where the Supplier is at fault.

The role has a high amount of complex change control with the need to ensure the stakeholders engage early and seek commercial advice to balance cost with delivery and within realistic timeframes for the commercial process.

The role requires experience of Exit/Mobilisation/Procurement/Contract Change and requires an extensive amount of complex negotiation with suppliers. The role also works closely with Legal and Finance colleagues in ensuring Value for Money, as well as the drafting and implementation of complex Terms and Conditions and Schedules.

• To lead the commercial team within their His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) remit, ensuring the team is resourced to activity plans, and people are coached and supported.
• Provide commercial advice, leadership and guidance to all stakeholders including at Director General level and above. Ensure the commercial team remains a trusted partner, valued by the business.
• Ensure suppliers are held to account, delivering Value for Money and meeting KPIs and SLAs.
• Ensure the Passport application forecast demand is supported and delivered through mutual work with the business and proactive management of the suppliers.
• Ensure the pipeline of activity for contract management and procurement, as well as data and systems are robust, accurate and up to date.
• To act as a role model for others, demonstrating good leadership, effective communication and appropriate behaviors while ensuring compliance with standards and policies
• To ensure Authority rights are safeguarded through sign off of Change Control, adherence to Terms and Conditions, and proactive monitoring of suppliers.

Level 4 CIPS is desired for this role.

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Manages Complexity - Experience of managing large contracts with complex commercial structures to ensure value for money is achieved. Demonstrating strategic thinking, flexibility, risk management and resilience
• Commercial Focus - Experience delivering high-quality commercial service across the full commercial lifecycle including knowledge & understanding of commercial policies, application & ability to implement the latest commercial methodologies
• Builds Relationships - Experience building & influencing strong, productive relationships at all levels with stakeholders with different backgrounds, perspectives & drivers, in a complex, fast-moving, commercially focused environment
• Coaching Manager - Proven track record of setting high standards and delivering at pace
• Strategy & Policy Development - Ensures relevant issues are fed into commercial strategy and big picture considerations. Identifies when something needs to change and sets out practical options

As a valued employee of the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), you will have access to all the benefits the centre has to offer; including flexible working, generous benefits, Career Coaches, Mentors, L&D, a Commercial College, active talent management and, most importantly, access to commercial projects that will far exceed the scale and complexity on offer elsewhere in the UK.

For existing Civil Servants: For full details of the impact on any move across the civil service on your existing terms and conditions, please read the candidate pack. Please note that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to continue to claim childcare vouchers.

Job contact :

Name :
Lynsey Munro
Email :
commercialresourcinghub@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email :
commercialresourcinghub@cabinetoffice.gov.uk