Commercial Specialists - Band 3 (HEO equivalent

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Commercial Specialists - Band 3 (HEO equivalent)
Recruitment Information Pack
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Contents
Welcome Message..................................................................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................................................ 4
Job Description .......................................................................................................................... 4
Person Specification………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Terms, Conditions and Benefits ................................................................................................. 8
Indicative Timetable ................................................................................................................ 10
How to Apply ........................................................................................................................... 10
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Welcome Message from Stephen Kelly
Thank you for expressing an interest in joining the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).
The new CCS will bring together the very best commercial capability from across government. We now
need to complement that capability by attracting new, talented and experienced commercial
practitioners, to help transform Britain's Civil Service, so it can become the envy of the world.
The ambitious Civil Service Reform programme is tasked with driving efficiency and reform across
central government and delivering cash savings for the taxpayer. In 2012/13, we achieved £10bn in
savings and the target for this year is a further £15bn.
In order to achieve these ambitious targets and embed true reform, we need to build and enhance our
leadership capability, technical skills, commercial awareness and business acumen which is why we are
looking to recruit a number of key individuals in to a range of commercial positions within the new CCS
organisation and across central government.
I have been in post for over a year now and wanted to share three reflections, which you might find
interesting when considering whether to apply…
Firstly, it has been a huge privilege to work for such a motivated, passionate and engaged Ministerial
team. The ambitious Civil Service Reform programme – of which a more commercial, insightful and
effective procurement and contract management service is a crucial component – will make the British
Civil Service the envy of the world. We have had visits from Governments around the world who see the
UK leading the agenda. It’s amazing to be at the forefront of that journey.
Secondly, I feel very fortunate to be part of a proud history, where commitment to public service is at
the very heart of everything we do in Britain. It was the powerful rallying cry around public good and
the opportunity to deliver significant wins for our ultimate stakeholders, British citizens and taxpayers,
which was irresistible to me when I joined.
Finally, it’s been really inspiring and exciting to see how the very best of the private sector can combine
in partnership with fantastic Civil Service colleagues to transform the impact of Government.
I hope you will be inspired to pursue a Commercial career in the Civil Service.
Stephen Kelly
Chief Operating Officer, UK Government
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Background:
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will provide an end-to-end procurement service for all government
departments, using insights based on real, up to date market knowledge to help identify and shape
requirements up front and ensure that the best suppliers are engaged.
Our vision is to deliver value for the nation through outstanding commercial capability and quality
customer service. Our role is to provide an integrated commercial and procurement service
for Government and the UK public sector, including Health, Local Government, Devolved
Administrations, Education and Not for Profit organisations.
We are now looking to recruit a number of expert Commercial Leaders and successful candidates will be
eligible for postings within the central Crown Commercial Service or within one of government’s main
departments; Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Department for Transport, Department for Work and
Pensions, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Department for Health, the Ministry of Defence and many
more.
These roles will provide you with a unique opportunity to make a real difference, delivering real savings
across a range of central government departments.
You will be part of the Commercial Profession, led by the Government’s Chief Procurement Officer.
Job Description:
Purpose:
An experienced procurement professional with an understanding of procurement processes, strategic
sourcing and supplier management, this individual is responsible for devising, developing and
implementing tailored procurement strategies to deliver savings, added value benefits and improved
value for money (VfM) and results impact for the organisation.
This individual is responsible for devising, developing and implementing tailored strategies for the
sourcing and award of contracts appropriate to this grade and also for providing guidance across the
organisation.
Role Accountabilities:
Management of identified categories of spend appropriate to this grade.
Driving procurement initiatives to deliver savings, added value benefits and improved value for
money (VfM) and results impact for the organsiation.
With some support, developing robust 3-5 year Category Strategies (with input from Business
Partner and Programme Sourcing colleagues) to cover key categories of spend identifying
opportunities and plans to increase VfM in the longer term.
Manage the effective and efficient delivery of procurement competitions appropriate to this grade
to deliver strategic sourcing solutions.
Support the reporting and validation of procurement benefits to achieve benefits targets.
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Contributing to effective co-operation and co-ordination between categories and across PrG teams
and contributing significantly to cross-organisation working.
Pro-actively managing compliance to the use of framework agreements (including HMG frameworks
where appropriate). Monitoring, benchmarking and evaluating the performance of frameworks on
an on-going basis.
Developing effective relationships with key stakeholders, including on categories where there are
multiple stakeholder contacts.
Ensuring the implementation of effective Supplier Management practices and strategies in
conjunction with relevant business stakeholders.
Supporting effective collaboration across government and with other relevant organisations to
deliver benefit for DFID and its businesses.
Embrace change and adopt new ways of working within the organisation, to support the
Procurement Transformation programme.
Support the effective implementation of Lean Sourcing, eProcurement & P2P initiatives and
strategies.
Actively progress own personal and professional development.
Helping to make the organisation a better place to work and participate positively in ‘people’
initiatives.
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Person Specification
In your supporting statement, please give evidence that clearly demonstrates how your skills and
experience addresses the key experience (part one) listed below.
These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.
Part Two (competencies) will be further assessed at interview stage.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong record across a broad
range of the criteria.
Key Experience:
Part One: Knowledge, Skills and experience
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Graduate calibre and/or qualified by experience, ideally with relevant post-graduate or professional
qualifications (e.g. holds or studying towards MCIPS).
Significant relevant procurement and sourcing experience.
Proven track record in project management and delivery, and of working to deadlines and meeting
targets.
Experience of influencing internally and externally at all levels.
Ability to lead, manage, motivate and co-ordinate cross-functional teams, often with no direct
authority over a significant number of the key stakeholders and team members.
Flexibility, willingness and ability to adapt to change.
Able to monitor / scan external sources of data and intelligence and to pro-actively share relevant
information with others in PCD where relevant.
Part Two: Competencies (Level 3)
Delivering Value for Money
Ability to understand value in the organisation context. Capable of taking this understanding and
applying it to commercial activity. Develop and deliver sourcing strategies that deliver value for
money.
Making Effective Decisions
Effectively analyse and draw conclusions from a range of complex data. Use this information to take
sound sourcing decisions or make recommendations in a range of areas including (but not limited
to): appropriate route to market, supplier selection and contract negotiation.
Leading & Communicating
Communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting style and methods to maximise
understanding and impact.
Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed.
Recognise, respect and reward the contribution and achievements of others.
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Changing and Improving
Identify and suggest ways to improve processes.
Actively encourage ideas from a wide range of sources and stakeholders and use these to inform
own thinking.
Be willing to meet the challenges of difficult or complex changes, encouraging and supporting others
to do the same.
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Terms, Conditions and Benefits
This post is offered on a permanent basis under the terms of the Civil Service Code. If there are more
successful applicants than posts then we may establish a reserve list to fill posts in this and other
Departments. Secondments from other organisations will be considered.
The post is at Band 3 (Higher Executive Officer equivalent) and is set within the pay scale at £25,534 £33,415. Additional allowance may be payable but salary overall will be dependent on skills, experience
and job location.
Candidates should be aware of the well publicised sensitivity surrounding public sector pay. Annual
salary increases will depend upon individual performance and contribution to the organisation’s success.
Existing civil servants joining on level transfer will retain their current salary. Staff joining on promotion
terms will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary or the pay band minimum whichever
is the greater. Salary may be subject to Chief Secretary to the Treasury approval.
Civil servants taking up appointment on promotion will adopt the modernised Senior Civil Service terms
and conditions which came in to effect from 1 July 2013.
There is a choice of pension schemes. More information about pension provisions can be found at
www.civilservice.gov.uk/pensions. In addition there will be the opportunity to earn performance related
bonuses.
Flexible Working
Flexible working arrangements may be considered for this role.
Competitive Leave Allowances
25 days' paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years service. In addition, full-time staff
receive eight days' public holidays and the Queen’s Birthday privilege holiday as well as competitive
maternity leave, parental leave and adoption leave.
Location
Postings are available in East Kilbride, London, Liverpool, Newport and Norwich.
Relocation Costs
Relocation Costs might be available, depending on the hiring department, up to a max up of £8,000.
Equality and Diversity
The CCS is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We will not discriminate on grounds
of gender, gender identity, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, those with caring
responsibilities, part time workers or any other factor irrelevant to a person’s work.
We encourage a diverse workforce and aim to provide a working environment where all staff at all levels
are valued and respected, and where discrimination, bullying, promotion of negative stereotyping and
harassment are not tolerated.
Assessment for recruitment, selection, appraisal, training and career progression purposes is based both
on the individual’s ability and suitability for the work. We are committed to providing all staff with
opportunities to maximise their skills and achieve their potential, offering flexible working arrangements
wherever possible.
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As a public authority the CCS has statutory duties placed on it that require it to promote equality of
opportunity and eliminate unlawful discrimination. We expect all staff to assist the department in
meeting these obligations. All staff should have due regard for the need to promote good relations
between individuals from different groups and work towards achieving equality of opportunity for all.
Civil Service Code
All civil servants are subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Code (see annex A below) which details
the Civil Service values, standards of behaviour and rights and responsibilities. Go to
http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk for more information.
Childcare
The CCS recognises that many staff balance working lives with the demands of a family life. The
department offers support with childcare and holiday play schemes costs by providing childcare
vouchers for staff who meet the eligibility criteria.
Nationality
You must be a British Citizen, citizen of the British Commonwealth* an EC national or national of
specified Member States of the European Free Trade Area, together with certain members of their
families. Certain Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply. If you have any questions about nationality
requirements contact the Recruitment Team on 0207 2716780. (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the
UK, who have no right of abode in the UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to
apply.)
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
The CCS is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people and will
guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the
post.
Pre-appointment enquiries
The CCS will carry out enquiries into the successful candidate’s nationality, health and other matters
before a formal offer of appointment is made. Subject to satisfactory completion of the preappointment enquiries, you will be invited to take up the post as soon as possible.
Complaints
The CCS’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit
on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment
Principles details of which can be found at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk If you feel
your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a
complaint, you should contact the HR Director for the Efficiency and Reform Group, Human Resources,
4th Floor, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the
response you receive you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
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Indicative Timetable
Advert Closing Date:
13th April 2014
Short Listing:
w/c 21st April 2014
Psychometric Assessments:
28th April – 9th May
Interviews:
12th – 23rd May 2014
Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and may be subject to change. There is a
pressing need to fill these critical vacancies. Candidates are asked to note the above timetable,
exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.
How to Apply
If you wish to apply for this role, please visit http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/careers and click ‘Apply
Now’ under the careers section on the left hand side.
As part of the online application process, you will be asked submit the following:
A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
A supporting statement that clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience addresses
part one of the key experience section in the person specification.
Your application will be acknowledged. If you do not receive an acknowledgement with 48 hours please
contact: [email protected]
If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information content, or in an alternative format e.g. Audio,
Braille or large font then please contact: [email protected]
Please note postal applications will not be accepted.
For further information about the roles, please contact: [email protected]
For further information about the application process, please contact: [email protected]
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