Job Description

On behalf of Crown Commercial Services, we are looking for a Category Lead Inside IR35 for a 12 month contract (Possible extension) based Hybrid working (2 days pw in Liverpool, Birmingham, Newport or Norwich office and remaining WFH)



Crown Commercial Services (CCS) is the largest public procurement organisation in the UK.



As a trading fund and executive agency of the Cabinet Office, we implement procurement policy on behalf of the government.



We use the collective buying power of our customers and our commercial expertise to help public sector organisations achieve value for money and provide great outcomes for taxpayers.



Job Summary



Construction is a high-profile Category which has shown exponential growth over the last 5 years. We are a supportive team of highly experienced construction, procurement and category management professionals.



The Construction team within the Estates category group are responsible for the following categories:



"Construction Works" the largest public sector construction commercial agreement supporting major infrastructure projects across the UK from minor projects to major projects to specialist projects.



"Offsite Construction Solutions" this subcategory supports the evolution of the latest Government initiative to drive Modern Methods of Construction and allows Off Site Manufacturing that can be integrated into project delivery.



"Construction Professional Services" This sub category offers Construction professional services across a wide range of disciplines and functions to support, guide and provide project management, design, cost and advisory services. It incorporates construction works, construction professional services and offsite construction services. It also includes Estates Decarbonisation support services helping customers decarbonise their estates in support on CNZ.



We offer the biggest construction commercial agreements in the country, driving industry change in support of the government's construction strategy. They include flexible procurement and contract options and we have a team packed full of industry experience from multiple sectors and all tiers of the supply chain to support customers and suppliers. Our construction agreements provide value for money solutions with the lowest levy to suppliers and income, invested back into the public sector to support the government for future iterations.



As a Construction Category Lead you will be a senior leader and gain development in demonstrating the ability to think laterally and innovatively to enable delivery of commercial market leading solutions and drive growth.

Role purpose:

The Construction Category Lead is a key part of the extended Senior Management Team and has responsibility for supporting strategic planning and delivery across the construction team, as well as leading the Category Team to ensure effective day to day management of Commercial Agreements (frameworks).



The main duties and responsibilities of the Category Lead would be to:

Lead Customer Relationship Management with senior customer stakeholders ensuring their strategy delivery is at the heart of what we do. Lead Supplier Relationship and Performance Management that enhances the Customer experience. Implement and lead initiatives to retain existing and attract new customers across the construction categories Line management responsibility, supporting the development of other team members, ensuring resilience in the team and delivery of performance objectives. Site visits to customer and supplier premises across the United Kingdom Ownership of Category management and overseeing the team's commercial agreement management activities. Identifying and making recommendations for improvement of processes and implementing solutions to the benefit of CCS. Overseeing the development and delivery of Commercial Agreements (Frameworks) and Framework call off (mini competition). Attendance at conferences and seminars, in a speaking or delegate context and the ability to present CCS in a professional manner. Communicating complex data effectively, to senior personnel, using a variety of styles and methods that match the audience. Working across teams in a collaborative manner and upon occasion lead and/or represent the Construction team on agreed corporate initiatives. Leading on the procurement of both new and renewal of commercial agreements

Essential:

Have experience of working in a construction category Be able to demonstrate strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse data and make informed commercial decisions A strong track record of delivering targets with multiple senior stakeholders, demonstrating ability to form strong relationships between stakeholders, key customer and supplier representatives, and professional industry bodies. Strong analytical skills to identify customer requirements, with an ability to demonstrate good business judgement when providing solutions and an awareness of construction commercial vehicles Be able to demonstrate experience of leading category management, developing and maintaining robust category strategies and robust commercial agreement management. Experience leading and effectively managing direct and indirect reports. Providing support where appropriate, and ensuring a focus on professional development within the team

Desirable criteria

Accredited in MCIPS or working towards Knowledge/Awareness of common model form construction contract (e.g. NEC, JCT) The role holder will be required to commit to continuous professional development and stay up to date with the category supply chain and market developments.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



At CCS, we actively support, promote, and celebrate our differences for the benefit of our employees, suppliers, and customers. CCS is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. CCS believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, CCS guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".