Interim Commercial Lead – Operational Services
Full Description
We are looking for an experienced Interim Commercial Lead to join a high-performing Commercial Services team supporting specialist operational functions across a complex public sector environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional with strong public sector experience and a proven track record of managing end-to-end procurement activity in regulated environments. Experience working under the Procurement Act 2023 is highly desirable.
About the Role
As the Interim Commercial Lead, you will work within the Operational Pillar supporting specialist operational teams that require highly technical equipment and services. Key areas include:
- Firearms and tactical equipment
- Weapons, ammunition and associated clothing/equipment
- Specialist operational services
- Dog support and mounted units
- Public order and specialist operational functions
You will act as a trusted commercial advisor to stakeholders, leading procurement activity from initial requirement through to contract award and ongoing supplier management.
This is a standalone specialist role with no direct line management responsibility, requiring someone confident working autonomously and engaging with senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activity
- Develop procurement strategies and commercial plans
- Draft tender documentation and manage competitive procurement processes
- Support business case development and approvals
- Build strong relationships with operational stakeholders and suppliers
- Provide commercial advice on complex procurement projects
- Manage contract performance, risk and compliance
- Drive value for money, innovation and continuous improvement
- Support governance, reporting and commercial best practice across the organisation
- Contribute to supplier relationship and contract management activity
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant public sector procurement experience
- Strong understanding of procurement legislation and regulated procurement processes
- Recent experience delivering procurements under the Procurement Act 2023
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities
- Experience drafting tender packs and managing procurement lifecycles
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Commercially minded with excellent negotiation capability
- Experience working within governance and compliance frameworks
- Strong project management and organisational skills
Desirable:
- Experience within operational, defence, policing, security or specialist equipment categories
- Experience drafting business cases
- Knowledge of supplier and contract management best practice
- CIPS qualification or working towards qualification
- Experience with purchasing systems and P2P processes
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile and operationally critical procurement projects in a fast-paced environment where your expertise will directly support frontline operational capability.
You’ll join a collaborative and professional commercial team committed to best practice, continuous improvement and delivering outstanding commercial outcomes.
If you are an experienced procurement professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role with real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
The Procurement Hive is a procurement consultancy and procurement recruitment business.
Transform your talent – Our recruitment services span over four decades of combined experience, recruiting supply chain and procurement talent for a wide range of organisations across the globe.
The Procurement Hive celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.