Commercial Deputy Director of Works

Job description

What you'll be doing

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two experienced commercial leaders to join the Parliamentary Commercial Department (PCD) as Commercial Deputy Director, Works Category.

Working at the heart of UK Parliament, you will lead the commercial delivery of some of the most complex and high-profile construction, refurbishment, facilities management and maintenance projects across the Parliamentary Estate, including projects that support the long-term stewardship of the Palace of Westminster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PCD is responsible for commercial strategy, procurement delivery, commercial policy and contract management support across both Houses of Parliament. Joining the department at a time of significant transformation, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the commercial function while helping to deliver value from Parliament's annual spend of almost £1 billion.

You can find out more about the team here: Parliamentary Commercial Department - UK Parliament

As the lead for the Works category, you will have overall responsibility for developing and delivering commercial strategies that support major capital investment projects and asset maintenance programmes. You'll provide expert advice on NEC contract options, oversee complex procurement activity, lead a high-performing commercial team and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Parliament. Acting as a trusted adviser, you'll help ensure that commercial activity is legally compliant, strategically aligned and delivers the best possible outcomes for Parliament and the taxpayer.

This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 40% of your time in the office.

Find out more about working at the House of Commons.

Why Join us?

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.

• Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%

• Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.

What we're looking for

• Candidates for this role should hold membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) at Level 5 or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of expertise gained through relevant work experience, and a willingness to study for a formal qualification if required. It would be an advantage for candidates to be qualified to Level 6 (MCIPS).
• Deep subject matter expertise on NEC suite of contract terms and contracting options.
• Expert commercial knowledge and experience on the procurement and management of high value Works contracts including complex high value Building refurbishment projects, Facilities management, construction, cost management, design and other services, and detailed knowledge of compliance requirements associated with public sector procurement regulations through the procurement cycle. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of PCR2015 and PA2023.
• Proven experience and requisite soft skills (Communication, Teamwork, Emotional intelligence, Adaptability, Time management and Conflict resolution) in influencing senior internal and external stakeholders, building and maintaining successful working relationships and communicating clearly to diverse audiences both orally and in writing.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to navigate difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels of seniority and be able to find mutually acceptable solutions to contentious issues where required.
• Team Management - Proven experience of leading a high-performance successful procurement or commercial function. Demonstrable experience of successfully managing, motivating and developing others, including promoting an inclusive working environment.
• An ability to work at pace, delivering quick wins using strong critical thinking skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate a pro-active approach to managing workload and demonstrate effective problem-solving skills. They will be able identify areas for continuous improvement both within their own workload and the wider team workstreams.

How to Apply

CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with a 500-word limit.

More information on the application process can be found here: Application process - UK Parliament

Additional Information

Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.

As part of the selection process, we will be asking candidates to complete an online Numeracy and Business Writing test. Please also note, that if invited to an interview, you will be asked to deliver a verbal presentation relating to a strategic area. Further information about these assessments will be provided after the closing date to those who progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.