Procurement Business Partner DWP Commercial Directorate (CD)

Job description

Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deliver services that support millions of people across the UK. Behind these services sits one of the largest Commercial functions in Government, helping ensure public money is spent responsibly and delivers the best possible outcomes for citizens and taxpayers.

We are recruiting Procurement Business Partners across two categories of the Commercial Directorate: Digital and Automated Buying, Business Services & External Resources (ABBSER) .

Where could you work?

Message from the Digital Category Deputy Director Rachel Butlin

This is an exciting time to join us and share the opportunity to make a difference. Digital Services is a fast-paced Category moving with the pace of the external market ensuring alignment with Digital innovation.

Digital Category supports the procurement and delivery of technology, infrastructure, software, digital services and specialist resources that underpin some of DWP's most important services. From cloud transformation and cyber security to digital platforms, networks and technology solutions, the team helps ensure DWP has the tools and capability required to deliver services to citizens across the UK.

Message from the Automated Buying, Business Services & External Resources Category Team (ABBSER) Category Deputy Director Liz Johnstone

Were eager to welcome anddevelop commercially minded, self-driven individuals with a passion for delivering innovation in Commercial Automation, Consultancy, Professional & Business Services sectors and weve an exciting step change within the category looking to broaden our automated delivery model.

ABBSER Category supports a diverse portfolio of commercial activity across corporate services, consultancy & professional services and external resourcing. This includes sourcing specialist Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) expertise, agency workers, contractors and consultancy support and corporate services that help DWP deliver strategic priorities, transformation programmes and operational services.

What do we mean by Commercial?

In the public sector, being commercial means understanding business needs, engaging with internal stakeholders, suppliers and markets, managing procurement and contracts, and making informed decisions that balance cost, quality and risk to deliver value for money and positive outcomes.

You will manage a portfolio of activity across the full commercial lifecycle, working closely with stakeholders to understand their requirements, develop solutions and deliver successful outcomes. You'll have the opportunity to influence decisions, build strong relationships and play a key role in supporting services that make a real difference to people's lives.

Job description

Please note, in relation to the working pattern for these roles:Full-time, flexible working and part-time ( minimum of 30 hours over a minimum of 4 days ) working arrangements will be considered. However, where a non-standard full time working pattern is requested, Friday must be included as a working day.

As a Procurement Business Partner, you will manage a portfolio of commercial activity that supports critical DWP services and strategic priorities.

Working with stakeholders across DWP, you will help shape commercial solutions by understanding business requirements, providing commercial advice and leading activity across different stages of the commercial lifecycle that maximise value for money while achieving policy, operational and citizen-focused outcomes. This may include market engagement, sourcing, procurement, supplier negotiations, contract implementation and contract management.

You will be trusted to take ownership of your portfolio, build strong stakeholder relationships and support informed decision-making that delivers value for money and positive outcomes for citizens and taxpayers.

CD believe in supporting staff development and offer relevant training; all staff are expected to use at least five working days per year on development activities, balancing on the job learning with more traditional training courses. (A campaign reserve list could result in offered postings across the breadth of DWP CD categories) .

Your development and career progression opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to develop your commercial expertise within DWP, were one of the largest and most progressive Commercial functions in Government. You'll gain experience across a range of commercial activities, develop valuable stakeholder management and decision-making skills and be supported through ongoing professional development, including opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications such as CIPS and MCIPS.

DWP are part of the Government Commercial Function (GCF) Government Commercial Function - GOV.UK , with an annual spend of 49b. Being part of GCF youll benefit from opportunities to broaden your experience across different categories, sectors and departments. Whether your ambition is to develop wider category expertise, explore opportunities elsewhere across government or move into strategic leadership roles you'll be supported to build a varied and rewarding commercial career.

See attached link for GCF overview video Make Public Procurement Your Profession of Choice - YouTube

Person specification

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a portfolio of commercial projects, procurements and contracts.

• Working with stakeholders to understand requirements and develop effective commercial solutions.

• Leading procurement and sourcing activity, including market engagement and competitive tender exercises.

• Developing recommendations that balance cost, quality, risk and value for money.

• Coordinating and chairing stakeholder meetings to support decision-making and achieve consensus.

• Evaluating supplier proposals and supporting fair, transparent and evidence-based procurement decisions.

• Identifying opportunities to improve commercial outcomes, deliver efficiencies and generate savings.

• Building effective relationships with stakeholders across commercial, finance, digital and operational teams.

• Supporting contract and supplier management activities where required.

• Maintaining appropriate governance, assurance and audit standards.

• Contributing to business improvement and wider organisational objectives.

• Personal development and supporting increased capability of peers and colleagues.

You will be expected to exercise sound judgement, demonstrate initiative and work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels. Success in this role comes from taking ownership, building trusted relationships and delivering commercial outcomes in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Essential Skills Criteria - What we're looking for

• Commercial Delivery (CDLC) * LEAD SKILL CRITERIA

You interpret business requirements effectively, develop practical solutions, and manage commercial activities through to delivery. You have a current and proven track record delivering successful outcomes in a fast-paced and changing environment. This should include premarket engagement, procurement, supplier engagement, contract management &/or similar activity.

• Commercial Knowledge and Judgement (CKJ)

You have breadth of experience to show how your commercial decisions support business objectives and deliver value for money. This may have been gained through procurement, negotiations, contract management, supplier management, financial oversight &/or similar activity. You can assess information, balance cost, quality and risk, and use sound judgement to support effective decision-making and positive outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Influencing (SEI)

You build open, effective relationships with a range of stakeholders at all levels, influencing decisions and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. You communicate confidently, support productive discussion, offer constructive challenge when needed, maintaining momentum by bringing the right people together to make decisions.

• Ownership and Leadership (OL)

You take responsibility for delivering high-quality outcomes and managing your own workload. You prioritise effectively, make informed decisions and remain focused when faced with competing demands, ambiguity or change. You demonstrate leadership through using your initiative, taking accountability and committing to deliver results.

*Lead Skill Criteria meaning;ShouldDWP receive a high volume of applications,an initialsift will be conducted against the lead skill criteria Commercial Delivery (CDLC) definition above. Applications that meet the minimum required standard for the lead criteria will then continue to be assessed against the remaining three (3) skills criteria definitions. Applications that do not meet the minimum required standard for the lead skills criteria will not be progressed to full sift of the remaining three skills criteria.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 44,447, Department for Work and Pensions contributes 12,876 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (prorata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 years continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Womens Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess you against experience elements of the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework.

Please apply on the Civil Service Jobs website. You will be required to:

• Provide personal information.

• Enter your CV in the space provided, setting out your employment history.

• Complete your personal statement ( maximum of 1250 words ) which should demonstrate
  how you meet ALL the essential skills criteria definitions as set out in the job description .

Stage 1 assessment - Sift:

At sift, we will assess your application by using your CV and personal statement only. To be successful, you must demonstrate within your personal statement ALL the essential skills criteria listed in the job advert. Please note the reference and use of the LEAD SKILL CRITERIA at sift.

ShouldDWP receive a high volume of applications,an initialsift will be conducted against the lead skill criteria definition Commercial Delivery (CDLC). Applications that meet the minimum required standard for the lead criteria will then continue to be assessed against the remaining three (3) skills criteria definitions. Applications that do not meet the minimum required standard for the lead skills criteria will not be progressed to full sift of the remaining three skills criteria.

Your layout is entirely your preference; you may head each paragraph with the skills acronym below and choose a narrative or bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately for clear demonstration of the skill however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several Essential Skills Criteria however please ensure this is clearly demonstrated.

Applicants may choose to use the essential skill criteria acronym at the fore of paragraphs to clearly demonstrate your consideration of each skill. This is suggested, optional and not mandated.

i.e.

CDLC-xxxxxxxxx......

CKJ-xxxxxxxxx......

SEI-xxxxxxxx......

OL-xxxxxxxx.....

Please note that you are not required to produce behaviour-based examples in the content of your CV or personal statement. Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in both your CV and personal statement and entered as one overall score within the results .

Stage 2 Assessment - Interview:

If you are successful at the sift stage, you will be invited to a face to face interview (likely DWP Manchester Hub), where your experience against the essential skills and role requirements will be assessed. Should we receive significant applications from alternative locations we will try to manage a wider interview base beyond Manchester; however please be prepared to travel to Manchester as a minimum.

Prior to Interview
Once you have received notification of success at the sift stage, you will need to select a date and time for your face-to-face interview (likely DWP Manchester Hub) from the online list.

You will then receive a formal outlook invitation for your selected date and time, along with details of the face-to-face interview.

Prior to your interview you will be required to provide 3 copies of relevant documents to confirm your ID. These documents should either be scanned, or photographed using a smart phone, and emailed to [email protected] no later than 48hrs before your interview.

Validation will be required at the interview; please bring your photographic ID with you. Further instructions will be provided in the interview invitation.

Indicative Timeline

Please note that the following dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these time frames, please let us know in your application.

• Sifting Panel: From 29 th September 2026

• Panel Interviews: From 26 th October 2026 onwards

Postings

Postings will be made in merit order, but also considering location, based on the geographical requirement of the business at the time.

Successful candidates will be posted to these specific role(s) and will have the opportunity to express a preference of 2 locations as part of the selection process; these will tell us where you would prefer to work if you are successful. Please do not select a location unless you are prepared to accept a role in that location although final decisions may come down to business need, and the skills and development needs of candidates. Standard promotion rules will apply, and successful candidates will be placed on the pay scale and terms and conditions of DWP.

Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
• Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

Candidate Visa considerations

For these SEO vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply.

Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.

Further Information

At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve list candidates will be posted in merit order again by location.

If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:

• If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. change in a contractual Part Time Working Pattern that cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).

• If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.

As part of the governments Places for Growth Programme, we are committed to delivering a more geographically diverse Civil and Public Service that will better serve the public and ministers. As part of this initiative, we are continuously reviewing how we recruit into each location listed.

Disability Confident Scheme

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.

Reasonable Adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing.

Important

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.

Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWPs Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.

Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.

Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.

Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants
Job contact :

• Name : Jo Young
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments 260824 FINAL v1.0_SEO - Indirect Wing_CD Candidate Pack Template- Jan26 Opens in new window (pdf, 1286kB) English & Welsh version T&C's Opens in new window (docx, 50kB) Success Profiles_ Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK Opens in new window (pdf, 503kB) DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)