Job description for Commercial Officer

Looking for a supportive team as you make your next career move? We’re hiring Commercial Officers to join our team at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). This is a brilliant opportunity to take your career to the next level as part of our family-friendly organisation, in an environment where your contribution is recognised and your voice is heard. Want to keep learning and progressing? We’ll be with you every step of the way.

You’ll join one of our diverse teams where you’ll support the successful delivery of defence procurement programmes with real world impact. We equip and support the UK’s armed forces with programmes ranging from peacekeeping to disaster relief to humanitarian aid projects – and we’re proud to help deliver them while ensuring compliance and best value.

This is an excellent way to begin or continue your career in the Civil Service as a Commercial Officer. So, if you’re interested in playing your part in running and supporting procurements for Air, Sea, Land or Strategic Enabling Projects then apply now!

Please note that some of the positions available will be open to Sole UK Nationals only and some successful applicants may need to be able to pass Developed Vetting clearance.

We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

• Developing Invitation to Tender documentation, negotiating terms, pricing and placing of contracts up to a maximum delegation of £2.5M, in accordance with the Ministry of Defence policy
• Supporting the development of new Procurement Strategies through analysis of the markets for Defence Equipment, ‘learning from experience’ with other teams in DE&S and using DE&S acquisition tools to advertise defence procurements to future suppliers
• Lead and/or assist (depending on project value) in the portfolio management of Category A – D contracts, ensuring contract obligations are met in line with the contract and business requirements
• Monitoring supplier performance management in accordance with Contract Management Plans
• Contributing to wider Commercial function and business improvement activities
• Communicating in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Manage staff where required, advising, coaching, and developing Commercial Assistants

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Previous experience of sourcing, delivering, and managing contracts
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent and ability to use IT systems and programmes

If not already held, if successful you will be supported to undertake the following:

• CIPS level 4/or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment
• Have passed the MOD Practitioner Commercial Licence assessment or be willing to undertake the assessment when agreed by line management

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Tender and Bid Process – Supervised Practitioner
• Contract Management – Supervised Practitioner
• Working Together – CSBC 3
• Managing a Quality Service – CSBC 3

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,200, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,504 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

 Further Information

Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack

Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills

Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.

3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.