Commercial Category Lead of End User Computing

On behalf of FCDO, we are looking for a Commercial Category Lead of End User Computing (InsideIR35) for a 3 months contract (possible extension) based in London 2 days per week.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK's security, defend our values, reduce poverty, and tackle global challenges with our international partners.

FCDO is looking to appoint an experienced Commercial Lead reporting to the Head of Commercial, who will lead complex procurements and a small team of commercial specialists.

The role will deliver transformational change aligned to the Information & Digital Directorate (IDD) strategy, delivering strategic and innovative projects in compliance with procurement regulations.

The role requires an inspiring individual who has in-depth understanding and experience of delivering complex procurements (end to end) in compliance with regulations in a global setting whilst navigating complex industries and market trends, as well as, driving supply chain excellence across the procurement whole life cycle (category strategies, Delivery Model Assessments, sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management).

Additionally the role will develop and maintain a pipeline of activity for the area of responsibility, supporting the development and delivery of complex and novel commercial projects. Review and challenge sourcing strategies, where appropriate, to improve outcomes.

Significant engagement with FCDO stakeholders will be required that include IDD, Consular, FCDO Services, Regional Platform, Procurement Hubs, Policy, Directors, Specialist Representative Organisation, and Supply Chains) to ensure that commercials service offering is translated into outcomes that is aligned to wider government and FCDO targets.

As a Commercial Category Lead of End User Computing your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead development of sub-category strategies across the full category management cycle, from spend analysis and supplier assessment to sourcing project mobilisation in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Deliver complex procurements and category plans, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, government policies, and playbooks, while achieving value for money and high-quality commercial outcomes.
• Influence senior stakeholders internally and externally (including HMT, Cabinet Office, and Ministers) and embed effective business partnering for strategic relationship management.
• Drive category expertise and supplier performance, managing global supply chain trends, supplier relationships, and performance to optimise commercial outcomes and deliver agreed savings targets.
• Provide leadership and capability development, coaching and mentoring a small team of commercial specialists to build professional culture, skills, and succession pathways aligned to Cabinet Office standards.
• Ensure robust commercial governance and strategic alignment, contributing to business cases, sourcing strategies, delivery model assessments, and coordinating with wider FCDO stakeholders to optimise strategy and compliance.

Essential:

• Strong understanding of procurement principles in IT
• Commercial Business Partner experience
• Experience of leading a diverse and developing team
• Active SC Clearance

Desirable:

• Jaggaer SharePoint
• Public Sector experience

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, FCDO guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

FCDO guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".