Commercial Lead - Technology

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Commercial Lead - Technology - (Inside IR35) for a 9-month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of 3 days attendance in the Bristol. Peterborough, Birmingham or London offices In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out. Our objectives are: To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.  To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.  To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk.  25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk. Job Description: Within the Technology category we cover multiple technology subcategories including: Digital workplace, service operations, security, hosting/cloud, connectivity (WAN LAN SD WAN), unified communications, mobile, core IT platforms, technology services, application development and maintenance as well as leading key projects that support major digital programmes (e.g. Farming Countryside Programme, Borders and Trade, Plant Health, Synergy (ERP replacement) etc. We work closely with Defra’s Digital Data and Technology Security team but also support and work with the Arm’s Length Bodies such as Environment Agency & Rural Payments Agency. As a Commercial Lead - Technology - (Inside IR35), your main responsibilities will be: The Commercial Lead will report to a Senior Commercial Manager in the Digital Services and Applications team (Technology Category) and will entail all aspects of category commercial support end to end. You will: Provide commercial advice and deliver a large range of potentially complex technology procurements, and commercial delivery within existing supplier arrangements. This will involve defining commercial and procurement strategies, drawing on knowledge of public sector procurement approaches (inc PA23) to work on new procurement activity. As well as commercial focus on negotiation and oversight of call offs from existing supplier arrangements within the application development category. Build and maintain a clear pipeline, identifying and targeting opportunities for innovation and savings. Your work will ensure full compliance with public procurement law, Defra Group Commercial procedure, policy, governance and assurance processes. Develop and continuously review market facing, category specific plans and framework management mechanisms delivering innovative propositions which meet the needs of Defra. Provide expert advice on commercial risk management and deliver mitigation plans / strategies to manage identified risks at corporate level. Provide commercial assurance and contract management in-life. Effectively influence customers across the network to deliver value for money, achieving savings targets and sustainable outcomes. Lead by example in our approach to sustainability and communicating its importance, influencing others to improve their approach. Ensure sustainability is considered throughout our work and is the responsibility of all. Work with team members and customers to develop commercial understanding, ensuring there is the required level of commercial expertise to deliver the required outputs (ensuring we behave as an intelligent customer). Collaborate with team members on policies, procedures, practices and techniques equipping sharing knowledge and skills ensuring effective and efficient teamwork. Represent the Commercial Team at appropriate stakeholder meetings. Essential Digital Delivery Commercial experience Experience of leading large, complex digital delivery commercial activities (including ITTs) Experience of managing the full commercial lifecycle Experience of partnering effectively with diverse stakeholders. Experienced in technology focused procurement and contract management, including negotiation and ongoing commercial management of suppliers. Experience of collaborating confidently at all levels while delivering multiple projects under pressure, including leading contract award negotiations and resolving disputes through effective negotiation.