Location: Dependent on applicant’s location, can be based anywhere across the 7 Forces
Reporting to: 7F Head of Strategic Commercial Solutions
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to join our Strategic Commercial Solutions Management team, supporting the 7 police forces across the east of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk). This collaboration is responsible for third party spend of approximately £250m per annum, making the 7 Force Collaboration the second largest police procurement collective after the Metropolitan Police. Commercial influence on this scale has the potential to attract significant financial benefits through market shaping and economies of scale. This also enables the 7 Forces to seek to manage suppliers more strategically on a regional basis to secure savings and wider social, economic, and environmental benefits.
You will help resolve some of the most difficult commercial hurdles in law enforcement, helping forces to benefit from more efficient and innovative offerings from the market as well as stimulating markets in areas where competition is lacking. You will also be expected to lead and/or support complex commercial negotiations with key suppliers, promoting innovation and ensuring best value is achieved, as well as addressing and enforcing sanctions for poor performance, and assisting in defending the relevant Force(s) from contractual claims.
We are looking for someone with a strong commercial acumen, a track record of supplier relationship management and proven success in negotiations and resolving contractual disputes. The nature of the role means that you will need strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate. You will need to demonstrate that you can engage a range of key internal stakeholders at varying levels of seniority.
You should hold a procurement/commercial qualification at level 6 (degree) or able to clearly evidence your commercial experience, technical knowledge, and expertise by having worked in a senior commercial role resolving complex issues for a private or public sector organisation. You should possess significant knowledge and understanding of current contract law and the application of new procurement legislation.
Necessary Experience
Skills and abilities:
Procurement/Commercial qualification at level 6 (degree) or clearly evidence your commercial experience, technical knowledge and expertise having worked as a commercially focused professional for a complex, public, or private sector organisation.
A track record of supplier relationship management and proven success in negotiations and resolving contractual disputes.
Significant knowledge and understanding of current contract law and the application of UK procurement legislation.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.
Strong analytical skills to align procurement solutions with customer needs.
Ability to “see the big picture” and think strategically about developments in the various category markets and the opportunities that those developments will create for the 7 Forces.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise successfully with staff/officers of all levels and external individuals, and to influence stakeholders within the 7 Forces and external organisations.
Strong commercial acumen.
Strong negotiating, influencing, interpersonal and communication skills are essential to the role.
Provide innovative thinking and impetus to drive through change and develop and enhance an integrated commercial and contract management function across the seven forces.
Good organisational, time management and project management skills in order to ensure delivery of results to agreed deadlines.
Ability to travel as required throughout the UK.
How to Apply
In your application we will be looking for you to demonstrate the essential and desirable criteria set out in the full job description.
Travel: Travel will be required across all seven forces.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications: 16/05/2025.
The postholder for this role will be employed by 7 Forces Commercial Services, but the base location of the postholder could be within any of the seven police forces listed above (i.e. local to you) and is therefore open to candidates across all regions.
Applications from internal ‘at risk’ staff will be prioritised and receive preference in any selection processes.
The Vetting level required for this post is Management MV and Security Clearance. Candidates will be required to undertake the appropriate level security vetting checks, which will include the requirement to have lived in the UK for the past three years (RV) or five years (MV) from the date of your application.
To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.
Why work for Hertfordshire Constabulary?
We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.
Benefits include:
• Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service.
• Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
• Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
• Carers and discretionary leave.
• Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
• Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
• Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
• Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
• Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
• The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
• Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for
