Associate Procurement Lead (Government Equivalent - Associate Commercial Lead)

Closing Date - 23:00 on Tuesday 10th June 2025

Corporate Services

Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance, which is why we offer flexible working options including flexi-time, part-time, full-time, job share, and compressed hours. Please note this role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home 1-2 days per week. There will also be a requirement to travel to other locations as needed.

About Us

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people, and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with partners including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses, and other organisations about how to stay safe. A role in MI5 offers unique and challenging work in a supportive environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

The Role

As an Associate Procurement Lead, you'll provide a responsive, efficient, and professional service aligned with our commercial policy. Supporting the Procurement Lead and working closely with customers at all levels, you'll assist with the delivery of goods and services, ensuring requirements are met on time and to expectations.

You may work with customer-facing teams, managing relationships, developing commercial solutions, and prioritising future work. Alternatively, you might support commercial delivery within category teams across Technology, Estates, People, Professional Services, and the Supply Chain Security team. There are also roles in Commercial Operations responsible for low-value procurements, policy, audit, and management information.

Whatever your area, you'll be part of a friendly, inclusive, and supportive team working across the Intelligence Agencies. You'll collaborate with a broad spectrum of people, from operational teams to suppliers, government partners, and overseas counterparts.

Day-to-day, you'll keep partners informed about progress, issues, and risks related to procurement projects. You'll monitor and review contract performance, ensuring KPIs are met while delivering cost savings and value-added solutions. From gathering requirements and overseeing tenders to contract management, you'll apply best practice commercial principles.

You'll also manage a team, developing their capabilities and impact through continuous improvement. Your enthusiasm and motivation will add value to the department, contributing to national security.

About You

You'll bring commercial acumen, procurement knowledge, and experience in supply chain services. Your ability to secure value for money and develop strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues will be essential.

You understand how to develop a commercial pipeline, manage information for prioritisation, and have experience in strategies, KPIs, tenders, and increasing diversity and SME engagement. Experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, managing significant spend, and delivering savings is important.

We are particularly interested if you have experience with Cloud or AI-enabled services or platforms. Highlight relevant experience in your application.

Your leadership skills will be key; you'll support and motivate your team, sharing knowledge and fostering confidence. Management experience is desirable but not essential. A professional qualification such as MCIPS or equivalent is preferred or willingness to study towards it.

Training and Development

We offer dedicated support for your growth, including mentorship and assistance towards MCIPS qualification. Our culture promotes continuous learning with core and technical skills training, induction, and regular check-ins. You won't be alone in your career development.

Rewards and Benefits

You'll receive a salary between £57,165 - £61,031 (London) or £55,164 - £59,200 (Cheltenham and Manchester) plus benefits such as:

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Development budget
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups, including women, minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. We are a Disability Confident employer and support applicants through the recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

• Pre-screening questions
• Application sift
• Online interview (motivational, technical, and competency questions)
• Conditional offer subject to vetting

Applications may be processed up to 12 months, including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until final offers are made.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or dual UK nationality. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Visit our website for eligibility details. Ensure you don't use recreational drugs during the process and consider setting up a separate email for your application. The role is based in London, Cheltenham, or Manchester; living within a commutable distance is required. We support relocation with loans for London.

Applications from outside the UK are not accepted until visiting the UK. Do not discuss your application outside close contacts.

Right to Withdraw

We may close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.