Role Description

Assistant Director, Commercial

Business Delivery & Transformation directorate

 

Role Details

NS&I Pay band 2
Civil Service equivalent grade SCS1
Success Profiles Behaviours Level 5
Reporting to Chief Operating Officer
Date produced or updated May 2024

Purpose of role in the organisation

National Savings and Investments’ operating model is delivered through strategic agreements with service delivery partners, including many outsourced operations.  Spending on external services and goods is therefore significant.

The Assistant Director, Commercial, working to the Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for delivering procurement, supply chain and contract management and third party risk management capabilities to deliver the strategic outcomes for NS&I, whilst operating in accordance with NS&I’s risk appetite.

The NS&I Commercial Function has advanced significantly over the last few years in preparation for the adoption of a multi-supplier model for its outsourced service delivery operations.  This role is key to ensuring the continued development of the function as it both capitalises on opportunities and addresses future challenges.

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will:

  • Play a key role in leading the development and continuous improvement of a strong commercial function for NS&I.
  • Be accountable for ensuring that all commercial arrangements represent value for money and optimize the ‘make or buy’ decision for taxpayers and departmental business owners.
  • Identify, own and actively managing senior stakeholder relationships with internal teams, programmes and third parties to ensure service delivery is smooth and issues are addressed.
  • Lead and manage a team of commercial professionals and ensure their output contributes directly and aligns to the Department’s priorities and objectives, including the management of public money and delivery of value for money;
  • Continue to develop and improve processes and systems to ensure excellence across the commercial lifecycle, including pre-procurement market engagement, deal-making, contract management and risk management;
  • Ensure alignment with and progress against the Government Functional Standard for Commercial, including applicable guidance and playbooks;
  • Ensure that all members of the commercial team are appropriately trained, qualified and experienced to make sound commercial judgements so that contracts are let and managed to deliver both service excellence and value for money;
  • Maintain and enhance the Commercial team’s supportive and inclusive culture and ensure high staff engagement;
  • Own sourcing systems, data quality and management information, ensuring that the system and records are maintained in line with our obligations;

Deputise for, and support, the Chief Operating Officer as required in governance forums.

NB. The above-mentioned duties are not inclusive or exhaustive. The post holder may be called upon to carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required within the grading level of the post and the competence of the post holder.

Stakeholders

Who are the key stakeholders for this role? 

Internal stakeholders External stakeholders
  • CEO/Accounting Officer
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Executive Committee (ExCo)
  • NS&I Board Members
  • Commercial and Finance Teams
  • Internal Auditors
  • All other staff
  • Other Government departments
  • NS&I delivery partners and suppliers
  • 3rd Party Contract Management Teams
  • The broader supply chain market
  • External Auditors