Security Services Group (SSG) - Commercial Officer

Job summary

Security Services Group (SSG) is the MOD’s Technical Authority for electronic and physical security providing in-house expert advice, design, installation and maintenance of electronic and physical security systems across Government, prioritised towards Secret and Above Secret, and items Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organisations (ACTO). SSG is part of GUARDIAN and is positioned within Standing Joint Command (SJC) to support UK homeland security and resilience.

With an FTE of 325 personnel, SSG provides technical specialist ‘consultancy’ advice to projects to support the creation of design specifications through to commissioning; project management and delivery with through life maintenance; strategic and tactical compliance assurance reviews and audits across the business; an assured government use only Intruder Detection System built in-house; and security furniture services. Head of SSG is also the MOD’s Head of Specialism for Physical Security across the MOD (part of the Government Security Profession).

SSG’s Operational Delivery teams are the MOD’s specialist in-house security providers, delivering project management, design, installation and 24/7, 365 days a year maintenance of all aspects of electronic and physical security, with a global reach. SSG’s work is independently audited to ensure, ISO 9001:2015 and NSI compliance and accreditation as well as MOD’s own internal compliance regime. To learn more about SSG, visit Security Services Group - GOV.UK

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Security Services Group (SSG) are currently seeking an enthusiastic and driven Commercial Officer with a strong track record in innovation, delivery, and commercial excellence to join our team. We’re delivering the extraordinary for the defence and critical national infrastructure and we’re looking for an individual with a thirst for improvement, a drive for engaging others, and a keen eye for detail.

It’s our people that make us great. Embrace our inclusive culture, where diversity fuels innovation, and together, we’ll achieve the extraordinary. If you’re seeking a role where your work makes a difference, this is it.

Overview of role:

To provide Commercial supervised practitioner level expertise and conduct negotiations covering all aspects of the function’s activities e.g. pre-sourcing analysis, contract sourcing, contract management, supply chain analysis, corporate activities, sales and disposals within delegated authority.

Responsibilities include:

• Determine the appropriate commercial actions for requirements, including supply market analysis, draft strategy plans, contract management plans and facilitate key aspects of the delivery.
• Lead and/or assist in identification and collation of supplier data for SSG strategic and critical suppliers to inform supplier deep dives, supplier strategies and roadmaps.
• Lead and/or assist in the portfolio management of requirements and contracts varying in risk and complexity ensuring contract obligations are met in line with the contract and business requirements.
• Technology & Innovation: Develop a deep understanding of technology within the security services category, influencing stakeholders and shaping strategies that simplify procurement and drive efficiencies.
• Sales & Contracting: Review and approve sales quotations for MOD and Other Government Department (OGD) customers. Assist in contract negotiations and placements beyond delegated authority, escalating novel or contentious issues to the Senior Commercial Officer (SCO) for resolution.
• Draft Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ), Invitation To Tender (ITT) and contract documentation in accordance with MOD policy and legislation.
• Negotiate terms and pricing, place and manage contracts and contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £2.5M in accordance with set guidelines and conditions outlined in the individual’s delegation letter and the MOD policy.
• Lead or Support negotiation and contract placement above level of delegation when required and highlight novel and contentious issues to Senior Commercial Officer (SCO) to ensure satisfactory resolution.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Provide commercial advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including senior MOD personnel. Build strong relationships across SJC, industry, and Government, requiring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Contribute to wider Commercial functional initiatives as required.

Allowances:

£1500 Commercial Market Skills Allowance (MSA); individuals may be eligible once qualified to Practitioner Level and have been issued with a Commercial Letter of Delegation. The allowance will be paid from the date a Commercial Letter of Delegation is issued, and renewal is subject to achieving the correct amount of Continued Professional Development.

Clearance:

Please note, due to the level of security applications are only accepted from sole UK nationals.

Person specification

Essential Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

If not already held, successful candidates will be supported to undertake the required training below:

• Evidence of CIPS level 4/or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment.
• Completion of the following three eLearning courses within 18 months of appointment:
• Procurement Reform eLearning certificate.
• Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) Foundation Level eLearning certificate.
• Sourcing Mechanics eLearning certificate

Essential Skills:

• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office and ability to use IT systems and programmes.
• Previous experience of successfully delivering either in a contract management or contract sourcing role is essential.

Desirable Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences

• Awareness of public sector procurement legislation.
• Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders, contract end users, and colleagues.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Developing Self and Others
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Developing Self and Others
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Sourcing - Executing the Sourcing Strategy - Practitioner
• Post Award Contract Mgt and Supplier Mgt - Contract Performance Management - Practitioner

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Sourcing - Executing the Sourcing Strategy - Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service.
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Career Development: Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities within the security field, helping you grow and advance your career.
• Equipment: Laptop and mobile phone.
• Family Support: Access enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance during important life events.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings through the Defence Discount Service (fees apply), offerings deals on a range of products and services.
• Health and Wellbeing: Receive Specsavers eye test vouchers and access on-site gym facilities (where available).
• Community and Social Perks: Join the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) or the Civil Service Club in London, providing access to a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities (membership fees apply).
• On-Site Amenities: Many of our locations offer free parking, subsidised canteens, sports and social clubs, and on-site shops for your convenience.
• Inclusive Workplace: Join one of our Diversity and Inclusion Networks. We value diversity and are committed to creating an equal and supportive environment for all.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles framework to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of candidates. Your suitability for the role will be evaluated based on your experience, skills and demonstration of core behaviours throughout the process.

At application you will be assessed against the following:

Experience:

• CV: including, job history full qualification details and previous skills and experience.
• Personal Statement - 500 words.

Behaviours:

• Developing self and Others.
• Changing and Improving.

Technical Skill:

• Sourcing - Executing the Sourcing Strategy - Practitioner

At interview you will be assessed against the following:

Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions.
• Communicating and Influencing.
• Delivering at Pace.
• Working Together.

Technical Skill:

• Sourcing - Executing the Sourcing Strategy - Practitioner
• Post Award Contract Mgt and Supplier Mgt - Contract Performance Management - Practitioner

What to Expect

The interview will explore both your professional experience and how your behaviours align with the role's requirements, we recommend using the STAR format when answering behaviour questions. Interviews are planned to take place via Microsoft Teams.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Hannah McNeill, Senior Commercial Officer
• Email : Hannah.McNeill100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCIVPERS-RESOURCINGTEAM3@MOD.GOV.UK

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

Army TLB Opens in new window (pdf, 3932kB)Candidate Information Opens in new window (docx, 32kB)Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)