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Commercial Lead

Contract Length: 31/3/25 – Extension TBC
Location: Leicester, Cardiff or Harwell (Didcot) Hybrid 2/3 days a week in office
IR35: In Scope
Pay Rate: £650 pd via Umbrella

Our client provides technical advice on the Government’s space strategy, supporting the UK space sector to deliver the government’s vision.

Job Purpose:

The Commercial Lead will support the development of commercial strategies and produce commercial model options analysis for the Agency’s strategic programmes, which includes both commercial contracts and grant agreements. A priority for the post holder will be to lead on providing commercial advice and recommendations, attending programme oversight board meetings and providing oversight and assurance on commercial activity.

Person Specification

The suitable candidate should be able to:

• lead on the development of the commercial strategies which will form part of the business case for our major projects and programmes, including the assessment of commercial models to deter-mine the best mechanism to achieve our objectives (including catalysing investment).

• Development and implementation of new and innovative forms of intervention, including public private partnerships, equity shares and loans, to broaden the commercial offering to the market.

• To lead on Policy revision as a result of public procurement reform.

• Support the Assistant Director Commercial to develop and maintain Agency policy and process standards for contracting and grant competitions reflecting government commercial principles while ensuring value-for-money solutions and effectively managing risks.

• To support the Assistant Director of Commercial in undertaking oversight and assurance activity in accordance with Agency governance principles and the Commercial Functional Standards.

• To engage proactively and provide commercial advice and support to major project and pro-gramme teams. This activity will include reviewing supplier and grant recipient proposals, change requests and deliverables, providing recommendations, identifying risks and issues, and negotiating excellent commercial outcomes.

• Preparing briefs and guidance as required for a variety of internal and external audiences and, non-commercial specialists and potential suppliers.

• To engage proactively within the Agency supporting the development of the commercial life cycle approach which supports their needs both in-year and across the medium-term while maintaining consistency with Agency standards.

• To support the delivery of training and awareness for Agency staff in procurement matters appropriate to their needs.

• To form positive working relationships with colleagues in the wider commercial function within government.

Essential:

• Experience of using commercial acumen to develop effective and value-for-money outcomes to meet business needs

• Strong negotiation skills to drive excellent commercial outcomes

• Ability to analyse a complex delivery environment to make effective commercial recommendations (including the development of commercial and procurement strategies) and present compelling business cases

• Proven track record of negotiating contract terms

• Ability to consider and influence the needs of others while observing compliance with government commercial service standards.

• Ability to identify and mitigate commercial and procurement risk in delivering commercial out-comes

• Experience of working on complex projects or programmes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships.

• Ability to communicate clearly, succinctly and persuasively in writing, in meetings and in presentations.

• MCIPS or working towards (Level 3 or above) or equivalent

• Contract Management Capability Programme - Expert Level

Desirable:

• Experience of working of Grants and an awareness of the principles of the functional standards for Grants and the commercial operating standards for Grants

• Programme or project management qualification (such as from the Association of Project Managers, PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programmes or similar)