About the job

Summary

The Deputy Director – Commercial Policy Delivery & Disputes is a key leadership role in Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Working as part of a senior management team reporting to the Director of Procurement Operations, the role holder will be responsible for leading the Commercial Policy and Disputes Team and is accountable for delivery of the CCS Policy & Disputes strategy.

The post holder will lead modernising and continuously improving CCS’s commercial approach to ensure commercial best practice, and leverage commercial opportunity from great policy delivery. The post holder will ensure the effective implementation of procurement policy and legislation in CCS whilst enabling and supporting the deliverables of a fast-paced innovative commercial organisation. The post holder will lead on the policy impact for CCS of Procurement Rules Reform; and improve and simplify CCS commercial documents and processes in line with Government policy.

The role will, working collaboratively with colleagues across CCS, manage and resolve major (typically more than £1m in cost), and complex commercial disputes at lowest cost and risk, and avoid disputes arising. Resolution of disputes requires a thorough understanding of the workings of the organisation, market place, customer/supplier group and public sector context.

As a senior leader in CCS, the post-holder will build highly effective and influential relationships to work as part of the CCS Senior Leadership team at a strategic level. The post holder will have the gravitas and credibility to provide constructive challenge as a trusted advisor, whilst providing strategic direction to members of the Senior Leadership team and the CCS Executive Board.

The post holder will provide inspiring leadership and direction for the team of c.13.5 FTE policy and disputes specialists, dispersed over 5 CCS locations. The successful candidate will be a strong and visible role model for the CCS values and Civil Service leadership behaviours and have a depth of experience and demonstrable skills in applying these to achieve positive outcomes for organisations and their people.

The successful candidate will have significant experience of working in a fast-paced commercial environment, preferably in either the commercial or policy field, and be able to demonstrate a good understanding of public procurement policy and have demonstrable evidence of complex dispute resolution.

Job description

> Provide strong and visible leadership of the Commercial Policy Delivery & Disputes team creating an environment of empowerment and mutual trust. Role model collaborative and inclusive leadership to improve engagement and performance; to attract and retain our professional and respected policy team. Specifically leading and overseeing the development of the team.

> Develop and deliver a clear strategic vision and delivery plan for Policy and Disputes for effective implementation of policy, legislation and disputes resolution.

> Lead the effective implementation of procurement policy and legislation in CCS: ensure exemplary compliance and adherence to government procurement policy in line with Government Commercial Operating Standards (GCOS);

> Build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with senior external stakeholders across Civil Service including; Government Chief Commercial Officer, Cabinet Office Director of Commercial Policy and the Rules Reform Steering Board.

> Advise on implementation of policy in CCS commercial agreements; building strong customer offerings on modern slavery, social value, sustainability and SMEs.

> Oversee and advise on CCS response to new policy initiatives (e.g. carbon reduction measures, prompt payment); leading on the CCS response to procurement rules reform.

> Develop and maintain efficient, simplified and adaptable CCS contract documents: leading and directing the development of the Public Sector Contract (standard terms & conditions of contract) for use with the expanding CCS portfolio; aligning CCS contracts with the Government Commercial Function to ensure CCS contracts are exemplars of commercial policy and best practice.

> Work in collaboration with Commercial stakeholders to support delivery of innovative procurements and provide a support service on policy and legal issues to CCS staff.

> Manage commercial disputes in which CCS is involved; liaise with key internal and external stakeholders (inc litigators, barristers and Senior Executives of other government departments) to resolve disputes.

> Provide strategic advice and assistance to CCS teams on handling of potential disputes and provide alternative dispute resolution expertise. Provide learning and supporting guidance to colleagues to help grow internal capability in dispute management/avoidance.

> Lead and manage the key relationship between CCS and the dedicated Government Legal Department legal team.

> Take a proactive role as part of the CCS Senior Leadership Team to encourage cross CCS working and collaboration; maintain and improve engagement across the team.

Responsibilities

Essential Criteria (to be assessed on application):

> Excellent understanding of public procurement policy and/or commercial operations in a Public Sector environment.

> Evidence of the ability to resolve complex disputes and take strategic decisions.

> Senior stakeholder/account management experience, ideally in a government department.

> Can demonstrate senior personal impact, negotiation and influencing skills and be an outstanding communicator; who can build and maintain strong relationships.

> Strong leadership, highly proactive, with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude and the proven ability to lead and motivate a team to deliver

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Detailed working knowledge of procurement regulations, procurement policy and disputes resolution.