Welcome to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) careers page.
If you are an internal applicant, you will need to log into your MyHR employee self service to apply for the role.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Please note, we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Interview dates: 7 and 8 April2026
Make a difference, join our team.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people.We make final decisionson complaintsthat have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England.We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short andfail toput people first. And we find ways to put it right.
Based in thecentreofManchester,we employover600 individuals, collaboratively working together to make voices heard.We have created a diverse and inclusive culture, whilst offering flexibilityto give you theautonomy to workin the bestway suitedtoyou.
The role:
The Head of Commercial leads the organisation’s commercial and procurement function, setting strategic direction and ensuring procurement, contract management and supplier engagement are effective,compliantand focused on delivering value for money. The role shapes how the organisation works with markets, manages commercialriskand applies best practice across the full commercial lifecycle.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, the postholder leads the Commercial and Procurement team andprovidesexpert commercial advice to senior stakeholders. Theyare responsible foroverseeing allcommercialactivity, leading complex andhighriskprocurements, and ensuring robust governance,transparencyand assurance in commercialdecisionmaking.
The role combines strong technicalexpertisewith people leadership and influence. Through effective market engagement, clear oversight of contracts and suppliers, and a focus on continuous improvement, the Head of Commercial ensures commercial activity supports organisational priorities, delivers sustainableoutcomesand reflects the organisation’s values.
The successful applicant:
* will have a strong understanding of UK PublicContractsRegulations2015 and UK Public Contracts Regulations 2023including frameworks and competitive procedures, together with a sound knowledge of contract law in relation to commercialcontracts
* will have demonstrable experience in complex commercial negotiations, including dispute resolutionand supplierexit strategies, withan emphasis on digital products
* will have excellent communication skillsand beadept atbuilding trust and influencing at senior levels
* will hold full membership of the CharteredInstituteof Procurement and Supply (MCIPS)and have undertaken continuing commercial leadership, procurementlawor contract management
We recognise the value of lived experience.If you have experienceofcomplainingaboutany public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:
* Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background
* disabled
* LGBTQ.
* Civil Service Pension scheme
* 32.5days annual leave(plus bank holidays on top)
* hybridworking,40 percentoffice based
* access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
* comprehensivelearning anddevelopmentprogramme
* employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
* bicycle loan scheme
* season ticket loan
* paid for professional memberships
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service.
Actions we take to embed this include:
* an anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
* monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
* providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
* creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
* part of the disability confident scheme
* providing reasonable adjustments
* engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.
If you want to join a dedicated team that makes a real difference and helps raise standards in public services, thenis theopportunity for you.
Pleasedo not useAI as this may result in in your application being rejected.
Please note that wedon’toffer feedback at application stage.
PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorshipas we do not have a licence.
We do not acceptCVs. To apply for the role, pleasecomplete the application form by clicking on the ‘applyonline’ button.
No agencies.Applications from individuals only.
Important notice: fraudulent job postings
We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising job vacancies for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). We only advertise job vacancies through these official channels: - our website
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