Head of Commercial
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer’s (COO)
Team: General Counsel’s Office (GCO), Commercial
Reports to: Commercial Assistant Director
Direct Reports: Currently 5 with a potential to increase to 6
Job purpose
To support the Commercial Assistant Director in the execution and maintenance of the Agency’s commercial and procurement strategy and the implementation and operation of an innovative, cost effective, centrally led commercial function across the Agency. This includes the procurement work related to goods, services, construction works, disposals of land and property, particularly those that fall within the definition of public works contracts under procurement legislation.
To support the Commercial Assistant Director with leading and motivating a high-performing team, fostering a positive work environment and driving the implementation of actions derived from employee feedback surveys.
A key focus of the role is to work collaboratively with key business stakeholders across the Agency’s directorates on a wide range of commercial matters, particularly the most complex contracts and grants schemes, supporting the implementation of contract management best practices and contributing to increasing commercial capability in the business. This includes building and sustaining a strong procurement and contract management culture that drives value for money. The postholder is expected to identify opportunities for collaboration, continuous improvement and, best practice with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Key relationships
The Head of Commercial will cultivate and maintain a range of essential relationships, both internally and externally. Overseeing, with the support of the Commercial Assistant Director, the work of the four procurement categories and the management Information teams of the Commercial function. Elsewhere within the Agency, key collaborations will be forged with directorates such as Development, Markets, Partners and Places, Investments, and Digital. Externally, this role will involve close engagement with the Agency's sponsor department, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and vital partners like Network Rail and Local Authorities.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities
The Head of Commercial will be accountable and responsible for:
1. Oversight of category management - Overseeing the category management approach for 4 categories – Development and Construction, Digital, Professional Services and Estates.
2. Oversight of Commercial Management Information - Overseeing the development and ongoing requirements of Commercial Management Information to fulfil the needs of the Agency and any reporting obligations set by MHCLG and the wider Government.
Leading and motivating a high-performing team – with the support of the Commercial Assistant Director fostering a positive work environment and driving initiatives including the implementation of actions derived from employee feedback surveys.
Supporting complex procurement and disposal activity - Ensuring the provision of expert support, challenge and guidance for the most complex procurement and disposal exercises, complex developer selection projects, high profile Homes England programmes and high value, high criticality contracts.
Overseeing compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 - Overseeing continuing efforts to meet the new obligations established by the Procurement Act 2023 and the Government’s Commercial Functional Standard.
Leading cost saving workstreams - Leading on the cost saving workstream by identifying, obtaining buy-in, agreeing, implementing and reporting cost saving opportunities and validating realised benefits with Finance.
Coaching Manager – Understands the team’s strengths, skill gaps and individual career aspirations and actively seeks to build the capability of line reports and the wider team.
Other responsibilities
1. Supporting the Commercial Assistant Director with the day to day management of the Commercial team and their associated procurement activity.
2. Working on continuous improvement activities and championing updated framework solutions and the use of the contract tiering tool and other contract management arrangements.
3. Ensuring effective processes are in place for the procurement of works, services and goods by the Agency and developing, maintaining and communicating appropriate procedures and guidance on procurement and disposal activity.
4. Ensuring all procurement activity is compliant with public procurement legislation including the Procurement Act 2023, HMG strategic procurement policies (social value model, net zero and Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SME) targets), and compliant approval processes within the Agency and across Government (MHCLG, Cabinet Office (CO) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT)).
5. Deputising for the Commercial Assistant Director at committees and meetings with senior stakeholders as required.
6. Co-ordinating Agency wide efforts to meet SME targets.
7. Writing and/or reviewing the commercial view of business cases subject to CO and HMT spend controls.
8. Supporting the senior management team with establishing a training programme for upskilling the commercial team on grants schemes and best practices
Homes England Employees are expected to be flexible in undertaking duties and responsibilities commensurate with the general character of the role and level of responsibility.
Key Qualification, knowledge and experience
Key Qualifications
· Procurement professional with (10 years +) experience in public procurement and a Procurement Act 2023 Advanced Practitioner (or currently working towards or willingness to complete).
· A relevant professional qualification (MCIPS or equivalent).
· An additional relevant professional qualification (ACCA, MIIA, CCAB, RICS, existing ADC) is desirable, as is a qualification or specific training or professional experience in disciplines relevant to property, regeneration or housing.
· Good understanding of the disposal mechanisms for land and property, particularly those that fall within the definition of public works contracts under procurement legislation.
· Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office IT products including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Candidates should also be proficient in one or more E-Tendering solutions (ProActis/ProContract, Bravo, Atamis etc)
Knowledge and experience
People Management - An experienced people manager with experience of managing a team.
Manages Complexity - Experience of analysing complex information to make informed strategic and commercial decisions. Experience of working in a complex commercial environment.
Commercial Focus - Experience in the delivery, development and implementation of strategic high value contracts which have delivered value for money and positive customer outcomes. Trusted for commercial advice and is able to put technical considerations in plain language for stakeholders.
Governance - Experience of operating within a complex governance and controls environment with internal and external stakeholders. Experience of operating within a Government control environment would be desirable.
Resilient - Demonstrates resilience in resolving issues and in helping the team to deal with setbacks.
Builds Relationships - Adapts quickly to different environments, and uses different communication styles depending upon the needs of the particular audience. History of building strong relationships across multiple stakeholders.
Risk Management - Proactive in highlighting commercial risks, clarifying them to stakeholders and ensuring they are mitigated where possible.
Values and key behaviours
Homes England colleagues are expected to be flexible in undertaking duties and responsibilities commensurate with the general character of the role and level of responsibility.
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