Associate Commercial Specialist

Are you an experienced Commercial professional looking for your next challenge? Can you see the bigger commercial picture and make sound strategic decisions that balance value, risk and innovation? Would you like to play a pivotal role in shaping the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) commercial strategy while developing capability across a high‑performing team? Are you interested in helping the Agency increase revenue generated from its highly successful Personalised Registration business? If so, we would love to hear from you. Join the DVLA Commercial Directorate and make a visible difference to how the Agency delivers services to millions of customers. In this role, you'll combine strategic commercial leadership with hands‑on influence across digital, technology and revenue‑generating operations. You’ll be the trusted expert guiding senior stakeholders, developing commercial capability across teams, and ensuring the Agency’s commercial activities achieve maximum value and impact. Benefits Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday. Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance. Key responsibilities Lead the IT Commercial Team, working closely with colleagues in Information Technology Services (ITS) to support their commercial pipeline and provide advice, guidance, and oversight on procurement and contract matters. Manage and lead the Personalised Registrations Team, overseeing the sale of personalised registration items and ensuring the effective generation of commercial revenue for the Agency. Act as a key contact for senior stakeholders across DVLA on commercial matters, providing expert advice and assurance. Provide assurance to the Commercial Director that commercial activity is being undertaken in a manner that demonstrates compliance with legal obligations, Agency and Government policies and prevents procurement fraud. Proactively engage with key senior stakeholders to present technical issues and help them arrive at decisions by acting in an advisory capacity, and serve as the escalation point for issues and concerns raised by colleagues and suppliers. Develop commercial category expertise and provide advice and visible support to all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, DVLA Executive Team, DVLA Business Owners and Strategic Programmes. Produce and analyse data to inform category strategy, sector management and big‑picture considerations, providing clear direction when the standard commercial approach needs to be adapted to achieve a better outcome. Provide assurance to the Commercial Director that the strategy for delivery of revenue from Personalised Registrations Sales is being embedded effectively and revenue goals are being met. Required experience and qualifications Experience of working in a commercial environment, embedding assurance and governance processes, leading commercial teams and managing complex contracts. Ability to credibly influence colleagues and stakeholders, making an impact through strong interpersonal and communication skills, including building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders – suppliers. Ability to work at pace, delivering against multiple priorities and meeting deadlines, providing advice and robust recommendations to a diverse range of colleagues. A proven track record in people development, driving performance and professionalism across your teams with the skills to motivate others to perform and exceed expectations. Willingness to work towards a CIPS Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply, or equivalent, if not already held. Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements The role requires a minimum of 34 hours per week. Hybrid working is available; a minimum of 60% of working time per month will be spent at the designated workplace. Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays. Visa sponsorship We do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and cannot sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before applying. Nationality requirements UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, and nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK. Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), including those who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS. Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020. Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service. Selection process Stage 1 – Sift of CV and personal statement (1000‑word count). Candidates will be assessed against success profile elements including experience, influence, communication, pace, and people development. Stage 2 – Interview. Candidates will be assessed against behaviours (Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions) and technical skills (Business Acumen and Commercial Judgement; Contracts and Supplier Management; Leadership Skills and Capability). A presentation will be required to assess communicating and influencing and business acumen. Security and feedback Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before appointment. Feedback will only be provided if the candidate attends an interview or assessment. Equal opportunities DVLA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not take into account race, colour, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or family status, or any other protected characteristic, when making employment decisions. #J-18808-Ljbffr