Associate Procurement Lead (Government Equivalent – Associate Commercial Lead)
Cheltenham, Manchester
Salary: £56,962
Flexible Working
We recognise the importance of a healthy work‑life balance, which is why we offer flexible working options including flexi‑time, part‑time, full‑time, job share and compressed hours. This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the office, with the option to work from home 1–2 days per week.
About Us
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and work with partners such as MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.
The Role
An Associate Procurement Lead provides a responsive, efficient and professional service in line with our commercial policy. Supporting the Procurement Lead and working closely with customers at all levels, you will assist with the delivery of goods and services, ensuring requirements are delivered on time and meet expectations. Your day‑to‑day tasks include keeping internal and external partners informed with progress, updates and any issues and risks regarding procurement projects; monitoring and reviewing contract performance; gathering requirements and overseeing tendering; implementing contracts; and applying best practice commercial principles.
You may work with customer‑facing teams, manage relationships, develop commercial solutions and agree the future pipeline and prioritisation. Alternatively you may support commercial delivery within category teams across Technology, Estates, People and Professional Services, or the Supply Chain Security team. Teams also include Commercial Operations, responsible for low‑value procurements, policy, audit and management information.
About You
Your commercial acumen, knowledge of procurement processes and in‑depth understanding of procurement activities are essential. You will have extensive experience working in a procurement and supply‑chain service and the ability to secure value for money and deliver best practice. You will build rapport and develop strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and your own team.
Your experience should include:
* Development and delivery of sub‑category strategies
* Implementing KPIs and facilitating invitations to tender
* Improving the use of SMEs, increasing diversity and delivering customer needs
* Drafting and negotiating contracts with support from Legal and Finance teams
* Managing significant spend and saving efficiencies
* Category management, contract management, sourcing, commercial policy and assurance, supply chain or low‑value procurement
You will have proven experience in at least one of the above areas and be confident prioritising commercial work to meet business demands. Management experience is desirable but not essential, and a professional commercial qualification (e.g., MCIPS) or willingness to study towards one is expected.
If you have experience contracting for Cloud or Artificial Intelligence (AI)‑enabled services or using AI or other cloud‑enabled platforms in commercial delivery, that is an asset.
Training and Development
From day one you will receive dedicated support, including a Personal Development Plan and mentorship. We offer a wealth of core and technical skills training, induction into the function, and regular check‑ins with your manager.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salary: £56,962 plus:
* 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years) plus an additional 10.5 public and privilege holidays
* Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
* Dedicated development budget
* Interest‑free season ticket loan
* Excellent pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
At MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from under‑represented groups.
Disability Confident
MI5 is a Leader within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Disability Confident scheme. We aim to offer a fair and proportionate number of person‑to‑person interviews to candidates who self‑identify as disabled.
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