Policy & Commercial Services Officer

Description
**Hours**: 37 hours
**Contract**: Permanent
**Salary**: £36,648 - £39,186
**Location**: Sheffield (Hybrid Working or Onsite)
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Key Responsibilities
SYMCA are recruiting for a Policy & Commercial Services Officer to join their Digital & Technology Services team. As Policy & Commercial Services Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting the strategic objectives of the DTS department by providing expertise in policy development, commercial activities, and procurement coordination.
You'll oversee the shaping and implementation of the Information Security Management System (ISMS). Your role will entail developing and enforcing DTS policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. You'll supervise vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement processes for DTS goods and services. Additionally, you'll be responsible for budget oversight, technology assessment, and advising colleagues on DTS policies and best practices.
**Main responsibilities include**:
Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and update ISMS policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with organisational objectives and industry standards. Research best practices, drafting policy documents, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Coordinate procurement activities related to hardware and software purchases, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and compliance with procurement procedures. This includes obtaining quotes, processing purchase orders, and managing delivery schedules.
Lead in vendor management, contract negotiations, and procurement coordination, liaising with vendors, obtaining quotes, negotiating contracts.
Analyse budgets, expenditures, and financial data to identify trends, variances, and potential areas of improvement. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on budget performance.
Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in DTS policies, commercial contracts, and procurement processes and recommend mitigating strategies to minimise exposure and ensure business continuity.
Maintain accurate records of policy documents, contracts, procurement transactions, and related correspondence, ensuring accessibility and compliance with record-keeping requirements.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency enhancement in policy development, commercial practices, and procurement processes.
Monitor and report on compliance with DTS policies, contractual obligations, and procurement guidelines, highlighting areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
A good understanding of the implications of legislation affecting IT use, including the GDPR, Computer Misuse Act and appropriate health and safety legislation.
Experience in the preparation of reports and briefs to a variety of audiences.
Previous experience in drafting and implementing operational processes and procedures.
Proven experience in policy development, compliance management, and risk assessment.
Previous experience in purchasing and negotiating process and contracts with suppliers.
Previous experience in budget monitoring.
Strong communication skills with the ability to manage and maintain vendor relationships.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to carry out reasonably complex assessments, evaluations, and interpretations.
ITIL Service Management Qualification.

**Benefits**:
All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success. In addition to the above, some of benefits include
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
Holiday - Up to 36 days annual leave (depending