Senior Commercial and Procurement Officer - G10

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Senior Commercial and Procurement Officer – IT to join our Corporate Commercial and Procurement Service. This is a fully remote role offering the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high-value and strategically important technology procurements across hardware, software, telecommunications, networking and IT services. This role presents an excellent development opportunity for candidates from either a commercial IT or public procurement background. Applications are welcomed from individuals with strong experience in technology, digital services, infrastructure or telecommunications who are looking to apply their expertise within the public sector, as well as procurement professionals seeking to develop specialist knowledge within the fast-paced and evolving IT category. PURPOSE OF JOB: This is a key commercial role responsible for leading and delivering a portfolio of medium to high-value procurements across the Council's technology category, including hardware, software, telecommunications, networking and IT services. The post holder will work with service stakeholders to translate business requirements into effective commercial and procurement strategies, securing compliant, value-for-money outcomes that balance cost, quality, innovation and risk. The role is focused on the practical delivery of procurements from inception to contract award, providing commercial leadership throughout the procurement lifecycle and ensuring opportunities are progressed efficiently, professionally and in accordance with legislative and governance requirements. The post holder will identify, assess and mitigate commercial, contractual and procurement risks, whilst supporting services to make informed decisions that achieve the best possible outcomes for the Council and the residents it serves. The post holder will proactively challenge existing approaches, explore market capability, and identify opportunities to improve commercial outcomes, streamline processes and maximise value from the supplier market. Working closely with colleagues across ICT, legal, finance and operational services, they will help shape requirements, improve procurement documentation and commercial models, and contribute to the continuous development of the Council's commercial and procurement practices. The role requires the ability to manage multiple procurements simultaneously, build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, and provide clear, pragmatic commercial advice that enables effective decision-making. The post holder will contribute to the development of category strategies, support contract mobilisation and handover activities, and promote a culture of continuous improvement, commercial awareness and best practice across the organisation.

MAIN DUTIES: The specific accountabilities of this role will be flexible and will change to meet the needs of the organisation as required but will include (or be equivalent in nature to) those listed below: 1    Responsible for the provision of assurance, guidance and support to client managers and key stakeholders (including operational staff and end users) on commissioning, tender process and contractual matters, ensuring commissioning related activity is managed in a legal, ethical and accountable manner in accordance with regulatory requirements. 2    Manage the external re-provision process to include being responsible for market research with suppliers and end users including public sector organisations elsewhere; design and delivery of effective, tailored and fit for purpose commissioning routes and associated tender processes (including the development of e-procurement) and documentation (contact and procurement) ensuring that best practice models of innovative service delivery are explored and incorporated where appropriate and assist in the analysis and evaluation of tender submissions. 3    Ensure that the procurement objectives adopted support all relevant commissioning outcomes whilst providing high quality, best value affordable solutions that are sustainable over the life of a contract and that where appropriate, models of risk sharing are incorporated to deliver a commercially focused approach to service delivery. 4    Where required lead on research work with end users on the commissioning of services so that specifications meet end user requirements. Actively involve end users in any procurement as appropriate. 5    Build, manage and maintain strong working relationships with the contract management team and client groups and stakeholders within Lincolnshire. Establish effective relationships with suppliers demonstrating personal credibility. 6    Build, manage and maintain strong relationships with the market and using market intelligence understand the capacity and capability of the market. Where there are shortfalls as mapped against anticipated demand work where required with the market to support development of the necessary capacity and/or capability. 7    Lead on negotiations with suppliers and make recommendations to decision makers with regard to the final award of contract. Where appropriate, act as the intelligent client. 8    Challenge the way services are commissioned presenting creative alternative options to continually improve value for money and to deliver savings. 9    Responsible for recording, monitoring and reporting on activity, efficiency gains and service improvements in order to contribute to the Council's performance management framework and to measure achievement against the commissioning outcomes and procurement objectives. 10    Identify and resolve issues arising throughout the life cycle of the commissioning approach and provide assistance to the Commissioning and Procurement Manager in the resolution of the most complex issues or problems as appropriate. 11    Ensure that work undertaken throughout commissioning is in line with the requirements of the Corporate Risk Strategy, ensuring throughout each stage of the process that potential risks are identified, managed and minimised and escalated as appropriate. 12    Discharge and support the Council's obligations under the Equality Act, working within the requirements of the Corporate Diversity and Equality Strategy and completing or supporting the completion of Equality Impact Assessments. 13    Discharge and support the Council's obligations to carry out such consultation as is legally required during the commissioning process. 14    To deputise for the IT Category Manager as appropriate. 15    Providing day to day leadership as appropriate to deliver the agreed priorities within commissioning strategies, working collaboratively with Suppliers (including statutory and non-statutory partners) Provide expert advice and guidance as appropriate for own area of expertise. Deliver a personal portfolio of projects where appropriate and/or specific work Coach/mentor teams/colleagues as appropriate to embed new ways of thinking and working Ensure effective performance review arrangements are in place to manage service delivery/contracts

16    Contribute to the development of individuals across the Council coaching, mentoring and motivating staff where appropriate. 17    Ensure Council resources are optimised and utilised effectively and efficiently. 18    As an employee, create a positive image of the County Council. 19    Deliver excellent customer service, incorporating the Council's equality and diversity objectives and supporting the council to achieve best practice in all it delivers. 20    Remain up to date and compliant with all relevant legislation, organisational procedures, policies and professional codes of conduct in order to uphold standards of best practice. 21    Take personal responsibility for contributing to organisational transformation and changes in ways of working, maximising the benefits and efficiencies for both internal and external customers, including the promotion and use of self -service to achieve maximum cost effectiveness. PERSON SPECIFICATION Note: Candidates need not possess both extensive public sector procurement experience and extensive IT category experience. We welcome applications from those seeking to develop either their commercial procurement expertise or their technology category knowledge. Knowledge You should be able to demonstrate knowledge or experience in most of the following areas: Public procurement legislation, governance and best practice, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated commercial principles. Commercial and procurement approaches used to secure goods and services. Commercial risk management, contract development and supplier negotiations. Market analysis, sourcing strategies and achieving value for money. Contract and supplier management principles. Financial and commercial evaluation techniques, including whole-life cost assessment.

Skills You will be able to: Lead procurements from requirement development through to contract award. Build effective procurement and commercial strategies that balance cost, quality, risk and service outcomes. Analyse complex information and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations. Prepare high-quality procurement documentation, reports, business cases and briefing papers. Communicate and negotiate confidently with senior stakeholders, suppliers and partners. Manage multiple procurement projects and competing priorities simultaneously. Use data, market intelligence and commercial insight to support decision making.

Desirable Knowledge or Experience We welcome applicants who have experience in one or more of the following: Information Technology, including hardware, software, networking, telecommunications, cloud or managed services. Public sector procurement and contract management. Category management or strategic sourcing. Project or programme delivery. MCIPS qualification or active progression towards professional accreditation.

Behaviours and Ways of Working We're looking for someone who: Takes ownership and delivers results. Maintains a strong focus on value, outcomes and risk management. Challenges constructively and seeks better ways of working. Demonstrates sound judgement and pragmatism. Builds positive relationships whilst being willing to provide professional challenge when required. Continuously looks for opportunities to improve procurement practices, documentation and commercial outcomes. Remains organised, resilient and effective when managing a demanding workload. Supports colleagues and contributes positively to the wider team.

GENERAL The postholder is required to take personal responsibility for contributing to organisational transformation and changes in ways of working, maximising the benefits and efficiencies for both internal and external customers, including the promotion and use of self-service to achieve maximum cost effectiveness. The postholder is expected to work to the Lincolnshire County Council Core Values and Behaviours and to carry out the duties in accordance with Lincolnshire County Council policies. Other Duties - The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside of the general scope of this grade of post will be with the consent of the post holder. Safeguarding -. All employees need to be aware of the possible abuse of children and vulnerable adults and if you are concerned you need to follow the Lincolnshire County Council Safeguarding Policy. In addition employees working with children and vulnerable adults have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults during the course of their work.