Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) works to maximise the impact of science and technology for the defence, security and prosperity of the United Kingdom. In order to do this, we need people who can use their skills to innovate and develop technologies which give our country the winning-edge.

We work in niche areas which are sensitive, operationally critical and international in nature.

As a commercial practitioner within the Commercial Function you will be responsible for: sourcing, sales, contract management, staff management and development and supplier relations.

The role provides working level support for Divisions, operating as a supervised practitioner in their area of responsibility and can have delegations which include: sourcing, contract management, or sales as required.

Commercial Managers to support the enhancing Contract Management capability within Dstl and to manage a number of our highest value, more complex and critical contracts.

Commercial Recruitment & Retention Scheme (CRRS) allowance of 10% of salary (with £4k limit) currently payable to those holding a Commercial delegation. This is issued after successful professional accreditation of relevant level of CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), and successfully passing the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) licencing panel, and associated Commercial Professionalisation Programme (CPP) training.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

In this role you will:

• Advising project staff on acquisition strategies for procurements.
• Managing competitive or single source processes and sourcing activities, including development of invitations to tender or negotiate, including complex contracts requiring non-standard pricing conditions or bespoke terms and conditions.
• Contract management of higher value or complex contracts.
• Authorised to make changes to cost and schedule for such contracts, take enforcement steps as appropriate, and lead contractor performance management assessments.
• Delivery and oversight of commercial contract activity.
• Developing your direct reports and other staff within the commercial function.
• Acting as a competent local expert on sourcing, contract management and sales within Dstl commercial function

We are looking for someone who has:

• Ability to think ahead and plan own workload and that of others.
• Developed communications skills and ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, project staff and engage suppliers as part of contract negotiations.
• Ability to develop and select cost effective options.
• Improved service delivery.
• Experience of leading within a Commercial/Procurement function
• Experience of staff leadership and development, contract management, sales or sourcing.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grade 4/C or higher which must include English & Maths.
• Have achieved professional commercial competencies through minimum of 2 years commercial experience preferably combined with commercial qualifications (CIPS L4, IACCM or equivalent).

Desirable:

• University Graduate
• MCIPS, IACCM accreditation (or equivalent).

Important Information:

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Working options include alternative working patterns, compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours

• Flexible working hours: Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Annual leave: A generous annual leave allowance starting at 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Encouragement and support on charterships, accreditations and access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Paid memberships with 2 relevant bodies/institutions. Employees have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

The information pack can be found attached to the job specification on Civil Service Jobs.

Diversity

We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work. These include the following:

• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network

• Race, Faith and Culture Network

• Parents and Carer Support Network

• Alternative Working Network

• Gender Equality Network

• New Starters Network

• Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page