Commercial Lead (operations)

Salary up to 62,509 plus a 2,000 South East Allowance per annum and excellent benefits

Full-time, permanent

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is the UK's armed police force dedicated to protecting nuclear material and facilities. We are seeking an experienced commercial professional to lead complex, high-risk procurement's and deliver robust commercial strategies across the Operations category.

The Role

You will take ownership of complex commercial programmes exceeding 5m, designing and delivering compliant acquisition strategies - including Covered Procurement's and the Competitive Flexible Procedure.

This is a senior role requiring significant autonomy and professional judgement. Decisions directly impact legal compliance, financial exposure, and organisational reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Define - Pre-Procurement

• Develop procurement strategies aligned to organisational objectives
• Conduct market analysis and early market engagement
• Develop and assess commercial options
• Lead Commercial & Economic Cases (SOBC, OBC, FBC)
• Secure external approvals (DESNZ, Cabinet Office, HMT)

Acquire - Complex Procurement's

• Design bespoke commercial processes
• Lead supplier negotiations and selection
• Allocate and manage risk appropriately
• Draft and finalise robust commercial contracts
• Transition contracts into effective BAU management

Manage - Markets & Stakeholders

• Develop and deliver market strategies
• Lead supplier relationship management
• Engage senior stakeholders (HMG, DESNZ, CNPA, Executive team)

Lead & Develop

• Manage and mentor a small team of qualified commercial specialists
• Develop capability through training and professional development initiatives

Skills & Experience

• MCIPS to level 6 (professional qualification)
• Significant public sector procurement leadership experience
• Proven delivery of complex, high-risk procurement's
• Experience across goods, services and works (e.g. Professional Services, IT, FM, Travel/Fleet)
• Strong knowledge of contract and procurement law (PCR 2015, PA 2023)
• Advanced contract lifecycle management and negotiation skills
• Stakeholder engagement at senior level
• Experience managing and developing professional staff
• Strong analytical and financial acumen
• Excellent communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple complex procurement's
• Sound judgement and risk management capability
• Experience in managing and resolving contract disputes effectively and efficiently.
• Due to Police Vetting criteria you must have resided continuously for at least 5 years at the time of application.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working (40% office / 60% remote - subject to agreement)
• Based at HQ Culham until relocation to Harwell (Autumn 2026)

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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