Commercial Category Lead (It & Professional Services)

Reed Talent Solutions are currently working with a West Yorkshire based Public Sector organisation to recruit a Commercial Category Lead on a permanent basis. The post-holder will specialise in the Technology and Professional Services sector.

Role Information

• Flexible remote working (one day per week office attendance)
• Office Location - Leeds City Centre
• Salary - £52,491
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Various benefits including generous Public Sector pension, free West Yorkshire travel card and flexi-leave

Key Responsibilities

• Providing and developing commercial expertise in the services category for the organisation. This category includes Professional Services, Learning and Development, Technology, Transport Services, Marketing and Communications et al. Expert knowledge of all these categories is not necessary.
• Working to develop our approach to providing loans and acting as the commercial gateway for requests about existing loans.
• Leading on highly complex and strategic procurements.
• Providing central, strategic contract management for some of our high-profile programmes including SME Investment Fund.
• Continually develop and share category expertise to be a recognised leader in the field and maximise the value achieved through commercial activities in the given industry.
• Develop and apply best practice techniques for each stage of the commercial cycle.
• Lead the development and delivery of a category management approach for a key category area within the Combined Authority.
• Deliver highly complex, strategic procurements and oversee contract management to ensure that excellent value for money and high customer satisfaction is attained.
• Use professional knowledge to draft fit for purpose contractual documentation working with legal colleagues as and when required. Provide expert, practical advice and guidance to stakeholders on contractual terms and best practice contract management methodologies, including those relevant to NEC contracts if applicable.
• Encourage a partnership approach to work across the organisation and externally.
• Provide clear direction, focussing on developing and motivating your team(s) to ensure targets are achieved.
• Manage the workflow of the team to deliver a strong performance management culture, where people are accountable for the delivery of results.
• Monitor productivity levels and balance of skills within your team, taking action to ensure that they are equipped to complete their work.
• Create the right working environment for your team, with a solid ethic of working towards achievement of our vision, utilising the Combined Authority’s policies and procedures.
• Take a proactive approach to management of change and recruitment processes, leading consultation meetings and interviews.

Essential Criteria

• An excellent track record of successfully delivering procurements and providing contract management oversight for projects within the services category area.
• Be a commercial expert in your category and have excellent working knowledge of model contracts, financial agreements and public procurement law.
• Experience of Procurement of Technology and/or Professional Servcies within the Public Sector