Procurement Manager (Government Equivalent - Commercial Practitioner) Ref. 3705

Buckinghamshire, Cheltenham, London, Manchester

Flexible working

We recognise the importance of a healthy work life balance and offer flexible working options including flexitime, part time, full time, job share and compressed hours. The role requires a minimum of three days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home one to two days per week. Occasional travel to other locations may be required.

About us

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats by investigating, analysing and assessing intelligence and working with partners such as MI6 and GCHQ. Through our protective security arm, we advise governments, businesses and other organisations on safety. A role in MI5 offers unique and challenging work in a supportive, inclusive environment that makes a real difference to national security.

The role

As a Procurement Manager, you'll provide a responsive, efficient and professional service in line with commercial policy. You'll assist with delivery of goods and services, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet requirements. You'll work closely with customers at all levels and support the Associate Commercial Lead.

You may work with customer facing teams managing relationships, developing commercial solutions and prioritising future pipelines; or support commercial delivery within category teams across Technology, Estates, People, Professional Services and Supply Chain Security. You may also be in Commercial Operations handling low value procurements, policy, audit and management information.

Day to day duties include keeping internal and external partners informed with status updates, creating and managing contracts, monitoring performance and ensuring key performance indicators are met. You'll oversee tendering, contract implementation and identify substantial cost savings and value added interventions, applying best practice commercial principles.

You will task manage a small team, building their capabilities and enhancing their impact through improvement of working practices and approaches.

About you

Commercial acumen, customer focus and knowledge of procurement processes are essential. Experience in procurement and supply chain service, contract management, sourcing, commercial policy and assurance, supply chain or low value procurement and invoicing is required. Experience managing a supplier or roles involving purchasing, bill management or drafting contracts is also desirable.

Knowledge of category management approaches that deliver cash releasing savings and total cost reductions is expected. You should be confident prioritising the commercial workbook for customer delivery and be a role model, providing support and encouraging confidence through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

A professional commercial qualification such as CIPS Level 4 (or equivalent) is desirable. Experience contracting for Cloud or AI enabled services and using AI or other Cloud platforms in commercial delivery is a plus.

Training and development

You will receive dedicated support when you join. If you do not already hold a professional commercial qualification, you can study towards one with our encouragement. A personalised progression plan and mentorship with an assigned partner are provided. Core and technical skills training, induction and regular check ins with your manager support your development.

Rewards and benefits

• Starting salary of £47,677 (London) or £45,331 (Cheltenham, Manchester, Buckinghamshire)
• 25 days annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Employee performance scheme recognition opportunities
• Dedicated development budget
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Gym, restaurant and on site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal opportunities

At MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical. We welcome applications from all, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from low socio economic backgrounds.

We're disability confident

MI5 holds Leader status in the Disability Confident scheme, allowing fair interviews for disabled candidates who meet essential criteria.