HQ Culham, Oxfordshire (hybrid working)
Salary up to £62,509 plus a £2,000 South East Allowance per annum and excellent benefits
Full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is the UK’s armed police force dedicated to protecting nuclear material and facilities. We are seeking an experienced commercial professional to lead complex, high-risk procurements and deliver robust commercial strategies across the Operations category.
The Role
You will take ownership of complex commercial programmes exceeding £5m, designing and delivering compliant acquisition strategies — including Covered Procurements and the Competitive Flexible Procedure.
This is a senior role requiring significant autonomy and professional judgement. Decisions directly impact legal compliance, financial exposure, and organisational reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Define – Pre-Procurement
1. Develop procurement strategies aligned to organisational objectives
2. Conduct market analysis and early market engagement
3. Develop and assess commercial options
4. Lead Commercial & Economic Cases (SOBC, OBC, FBC)
5. Secure external approvals (DESNZ, Cabinet Office, HMT)
Acquire – Complex Procurements
6. Design bespoke commercial processes
7. Lead supplier negotiations and selection
8. Allocate and manage risk appropriately
9. Draft and finalise robust commercial contracts
10. Transition contracts into effective BAU management
Manage – Markets & Stakeholders
11. Develop and deliver market strategies
12. Lead supplier relationship management
13. Engage senior stakeholders (HMG, DESNZ, CNPA, Executive team)
Lead & Develop
14. Manage and mentor a small team of qualified commercial specialists
15. Develop capability through training and professional development initiatives
Skills & Experience
16. MCIPS to level 6 (professional qualification)
17. Significant public sector procurement leadership experience
18. Proven delivery of complex, high-risk procurements
19. Experience across goods, services and works (. Professional Services, IT, FM, Travel/Fleet)
20. Strong knowledge of contract and procurement law (PCR 2015, PA 2023)
21. Advanced contract lifecycle management and negotiation skills
22. Stakeholder engagement at senior level
23. Experience managing and developing professional staff
24. Strong analytical and financial acumen
25. Excellent communication skills
26. High attention to detail
27. Ability to manage multiple complex procurements
28. Sound judgement and risk management capability
29. Experience in managing and resolving contract disputes effectively and efficiently.
Working Arrangements
30. Hybrid working (40% office / 60% remote – subject to agreement)
31. Based at HQ Culham until relocation to Harwell (Autumn 2026)
Benefits
32. 27.5 days annual leave (rising to 32.5 days) plus Bank Holidays
33. Additional 3 days leave accrued for Christmas period
34. Generous pension (20.7% employer contribution)
35. Flexi-time scheme
36. Performance bonus (up to 7%)
37. On-site facilities (Costa Coffee, restaurant, deli)
38. Blue Light Card eligibility
39. Enhanced family-friendly and wellbeing policies
40. Cycle to Work scheme
As police staff the public expect us to display the highest standards, values and professional qualities at all times. The CNC values and Code of Ethics applies to all police staff and sets out the principles and standards of behaviour we expect to see, and you are responsible for displaying and delivering to these standards.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.
Through the dedicated commitment of our affinity networks, ED&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice, where everyone feels included.
Please review the video links below which will give you an overview of the vetting process that you will be required to go through if you are successful in your application to join the CNC:
41. Vetting: An Overview -
42. Vetting and Finances -
43. Vetting and Life Experiences -
44. Vetting and Internet Use -
Some of the responsibilities of this role include:
45. Proactive management of key, diverse, senior stakeholders both within and outside of the organisation (CNC Executive, CNPA Board, DESNZ, HMT, Cabinet Office, Head of Portfolio, Heads of
46. Maintaining and pro-actively improve the commercial systems, protocols, templates and procedures within the Commercial team around Supplier and Contract Management.
47. Support HoC in managing and complying with CCIAF themes 5-8.
48. Represent the Head of Commercial on a regular basis.
49. Management of HMG approvals processes required for the Team.
50. Provide proactive, expert support and expertise to the Key Stakeholders to deliver against complex commercial aspects of the programme to meet stakeholder expectations.
51. Membership at CNC project boards.
52. Managing and developing key commercial markets and supplier relationships. Active negotiation with suppliers for complex commercial undertakings utilising KPI’s, Service Credits and SLAs.
53. Developing the Commercial skills and practices of the CNC Commercial function and devolved Procurement across all Levels. This will include the development and delivery of training programmes for this professional cadre.
54. Whilst the post is directly responsible for managing, mentoring and being a role model for approximately three individuals, the postholder will be required to ensure the work of their team is compatible and aligned to other category teams – Business Services.
A more detailed copy of the role responsibilities can be found on the job description, which you can request from If you'd like to get more information on this role, please feel free to reach out to the Talent Acquisition team or the line manager directly.
To be successful in the role you will need to display the following experience and skills:
55. Professional Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS Professional Qualification) or equivalent professional qualification.
56. Significant experience of leading challenging commercial undertakings in the Public Sector. The role holder must develop successful commercial strategies for complex undertakings.
57. Proven experience of leading successful complex commercial undertakings utilising a range of Procurement processes. It is essential that the role holder can lead these activities. Experience and understanding of the procurement of goods, services, and works across a range of categories including but not limited to Professional Services, IT, FM and Travel/Fleet.
58. Contract Lifecycle Management: Significant experience of successfully negotiating and managing complex contracts with an advanced understanding of prevailing contract and procurement law.
59. Practical experience of training, mentoring, setting objectives, monitoring progress of professional staff.
60. Dynamic, inspirational and motivational leader who can encourage a productive working environment that allows a team to work effectively together.
61. Compliance and Risk Management: Experience in ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as the PCR2015 and PA2023, and managing associated risks.
62. Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders, including suppliers, legal teams, and internal departments, to achieve Commercial objectives. Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.
63. Dispute Resolution: Experience in managing and resolving contract disputes effectively and efficiently.
64. Analytical Skills: Proficient in analysing contract terms, financial data, and performance metrics to make informed decisions.
65. Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing and writing procurement/contract documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.
66. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey information and expectations.
67. Ability to manage multiple procurements and contracts simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
68. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues that arise during the procurement/contract lifecycle.
69. Organisational Skills: Highly organised, with the ability to manage documentation and maintain accurate records. Ability to work unsupervised with self-motivation with the capacity to balance competing work pressures.
70. Financial Acumen: Ability to understand financial aspects of contracts, including budgeting, cost control, savings and efficiencies.
71. Flexible attitude to changing priorities and requirements with the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
If you are interested in applying please attach your CV and cover letter, detailing your reason for applying and how your skills/experience are in line with this position, to your application.
To view a copy of the role profile, please click here