Job overview

We are recruiting for a Commercial Lead, working within the NHS England Commercial Governance, Policy & Improvement function. This is an exciting role, at a time when there is significant policy change within public sector procurement, and this role will be pivotal to embedding those changes across NHS England.

We are looking for an experienced and capable individual, who ideally has procurement practitioner experience in the public sector. The role of policy lead will be regarded as the font of knowledge in procurement and commercial. Using your extensive knowledge and experience, you will have the opportunity to be innovative when reviewing, refreshing and developing procurement policies, tools and guidance.

You will be working with and supporting commercial colleagues, to maintain the highest standards whilst driving out inefficiencies and maximising value for money. You will have the chance to build networks across the health system and extend your knowledge and expertise across a wide range of complex commercial issues.

The successful candidate will be experienced in delivering change, and will be someone that can perform autonomously, whilst also bringing together colleagues in process redesign, and implementation of policy change. The role will interface with a variety of stakeholders including colleagues from the Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office and other Government Departments.

Main duties of the job

• Lead on embedding the legislative reform through the changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023 and the Provider Selection Regime.
• Lead on the introduction of central procurement policies and initiatives into NHSE, including transparency; data and cyber security; net zero; prompt payment and modern slavery.
• Lead the development of the NHSE non-clinical standard terms and conditions and ensure they are regularly updated to take account of associated legislation, policies and Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs)
• Develop and deliver a plan for a procurement training programme for procurement professionals across NHSE.
• Work with the systems team in the design of workflows and processes within the e-Procurement System to embed any policy or legislative changes,
• Represent NHSE commercial team on cross Government working Groups to influence and shape future procurement policy and standards.
• Support the wider work of the team, including the development of policies, processes and guidance; development of comms or supporting and advising  on commercial matters.
• Develop strong relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including colleagues from Cabinet Office and other Government Departments.
• Provide advice and support to the central commercial function in promoting best practice policies and procedures across the wider NHS system.

Working for our organisation

The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
• Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

NHS England hold a Sponsor Licence; this means that we may be able to sponsor you providing the Home Office requirements are met. To be eligible for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route you’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher. You can find more information on the Government website.