Job Description

The Commercial Function sits within the Chief Financial Officer Directorate led by the Commercial Director
The Commercial Director is responsible for the Commercial function an enabling function providing procurement, commercial & commercial contract management services across Student Loans Company.
The Commercial Director is responsible for developing the overall Commercial strategy for SLC, ensuring effective and compliant Commercial Delivery, across all Procurement, Commercial and Commercial Contract Management activity, acting as a focal point for key stakeholders including DfE and Cabinet Office.
The Student Loans Company is on a journey to deliver a simpler, more modern organisation. The Commercial Director will contribute as a part of the SLC Senior Management Team, with responsibility to promote SLC values and share ownership of SLC's Mission.
Lead a high performing team delivering commercial excellence in procurementOrganisation with investment to deliver a programme for transformational change
To be considered for the role of Commercial Director you will have demonstrable Commercial Leadership skills with in-depth knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and UK Government Functional Standards.
You will be able to demonstrate:

• A substantial track record of leading a team delivering complex procurement projects in a public sector environment.
• Commercial risk identification, management, and mitigation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at a senior level both internal and external to the organisation.
• A high level of credibility to influence and manage internal and external business relationships.
• Ability to present clear and logical reasons for proposals and decisions.
• Strong analytical and inquisitive mind with extensive problem-solving skills
• Ability to explain technical procurement procedures and provide training and advice to a wide audience, including Executive level stakeholders and Non-Executive Board members.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage large commercial contracts and budgets.

Essential:

• Procurement Qualification at Degree level or equivalent experience
• MCIPS qualified
• Demonstrable experience of operating effectively at a strategic level within a public sector organisation, at a similar level to this post
• Experience of strategic procurement, supplier contract and relationship management, including dispute resolution in a public sector organisation.
• *Government Commercial Organisation, Commercial Specialist (SCS1) Accreditation level 'A'

Desirable:

• Demonstrable experience of data and digital technology procurement process
• Completion of Transformation Public Procurement Practitioner Accreditation & deep dive training
• Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023, and the Public Contact Regulations 2024

Michael Page is proud to partner with the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the search for a Commercial Director. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of a dynamic commercial function, driving excellence across the organisation during a period of strategic investment and transformational change. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to shape and deliver commercial strategy, ensuring value, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Student Loans Company are a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to students in colleges and universities in the UK.
The Student Loans mission is to enable people to invest in their futures through further and higher education by providing trusted, transparent, flexible, and accessible student finance services.

• Renumeration for this role falls in the band of G20 in line with Senior Civil Service pay grade SCS1.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme:
• Flexible and Hybrid working options.
• 25 + 8 days holidays
• Lifestyle benefits
• Full Benefits are available for review in our candidate pack.

*Government Commercial Organisation, Commercial Specialist (SCS1) Assessment Centre Accreditation level 'A'
*Candidates who are not SCS1 accredited will be required to attend this assessment as part of the interview process for this role
SLC are committed to ensuring all recruitment processes are inclusive for all candidates and will make reasonable adjustments for those who consider themselves to have a disability or long-term condition in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Successful candidates offered a role will be subject to enhanced security checks for this role.

Skills Required