Join Defra’s Technology Category Team and Drive IT Transformation
Be part of a forward-thinking team that is revolutionizing how Defra delivers its IT services — making them simpler, faster, and more sustainable. Working within our Technology Category, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact in a dynamic, challenging, and high-profile environment.
Our team is responsible for sourcing a wide range of IT needs across Defra — from user devices and digital applications to connectivity, geospatial, data, and cybersecurity. With a market-focused and agile approach, we stay ahead of emerging technologies and collaborate closely with customers to streamline and consolidate the IT products and services we procure for the entire Defra Group.
As a Senior Category Officer, you will report directly to a Category Manager in the Defra Group Commercial (DgC) Technology Team, playing a key role in shaping our technology procurement strategy and delivering value-driven solutions.
As a vital member of our Technology Commercial Category Team, you will play a key role in delivering medium to high-value projects, procurements, and contract/supplier management within an agile, market-facing environment.
Your mission will be to develop and execute commercial strategies that align with the Category Strategy, directly contributing to our overall business success. You will take charge of planning and managing all market engagement activities for your assigned sub-category, fostering strong partnerships both internally and externally.
In this role, you will:
* Support key customers by preparing comprehensive commercial documentation and leading procurements compliant with procurement regulations, expertly managing the full commercial lifecycle.
* Draft and present recommendations for approval through governance boards.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare contract management documents.
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring exceptional performance across cost, service, and quality benchmarks.
* Provide insightful day-to-day advice on commercial risks, opportunities, and challenges — maximizing value for money and savings.
* Oversee the successful delivery of IT contracts while identifying and managing sustainable impacts throughout the commercial lifecycle.
* Partner with customers to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions aligned with organisational objectives and corporate targets.
* Manage the category pipeline following Defra’s commercial policies and procedures, ensuring propriety and value for money at every stage.
* Offer strategic support by championing commercial policies, influencing key decisions, and providing expert guidance on governance matter
* Collaborate nationally to build a strong, connected commercial network within Defra and across government bodies.
* Deliver training and support to colleagues, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to perform effectively.
* Utilise IT systems and applications proficiently to streamline and enhance daily operations.
* Commit to your own professional growth by staying current with legislation, industry best practices, and emerging trends.
* Lead or participate in meetings to drive effective decision-making, including agenda setting, discussion facilitation, and accurate documentation of actions.
* Foster positive, productive relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers — confidently influencing and challenging when needed to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
* In some cases, take on line management responsibilities, including setting objectives, managing performance, and supporting team development for other substantive grades.
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