Strategic Commercial Business Partner - REQ003404

Job title: Strategic Commercial Business Partner
Salary: DIR 45 £60,480 - £66,318
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds – Hybrid Working

About the role

Strategic Commercial Business Partner
Procurement and Commercial Services (PACS) is a trusted internal provider at the heart of procurement and commercial activity within Leeds City Council. PACS is a forward-thinking multidisciplinary service, and our adaptable and outcomes focused staff continually develop innovative and market-leading practice to maximise outputs, add value and help achieve the council’s Best City Ambition.

As a team PACS is responsible for providing procurement and contract management support in respect of the Council’s c.£1bn pa of external spend. PACS also supports a wide range of the Council’s commercial activity, including infrastructure projects and income generation.

PACS commercial team uses commercial acumen to provide insights and support projects and services across the council. The team works collaboratively to maximise income/vfm, deliver savings, develop business cases, support transformation and ensure best outcomes.

We are now looking to recruit to the role of Strategic Commercial Business Partner within the PACS commercial team.

As a Strategic Commercial Business Partner, you will work closely with directorates, being a first point of contact for all commercial initiatives (from procurements and contract management to income generation and service transformation).

This is a senior commercial role working as a trusted colleague with services to deliver their commercial ambitions, by:

providing support in respect of strategic and commercial activities, particularly in relation to high value/high profile contracts and commercial activity;
being a “first point of contact” support to contract managers (including in relation to dispute resolution) and supplier relationship management;
embedding contract management best practice across the Council;
Identifying and mitigating risks before they became bigger issues;
sharing knowledge and expertise (including utilising external contacts and intelligence around good practices that are proven to work elsewhere) to develop a more commercial culture within services, and to support commercial decisions, business cases and commercial strategies;
proactively designing and driving new and innovative ideas, and identifying opportunities to save money and/or generate income;
drawing in resource and expertise from PACS and other sources where required.

About you

As a Strategic Commercial Business Partner, you will:

have substantial practical experience and knowledge of working in a commercial capacity, particularly in relation to at least one of the following areas:
Commissioning/procurement (including practical application of working in accordance with public procurement regulations and organisational governance arrangements);
supplier relationship and contract management
possess appropriate professional qualifications (either procurement, contract management, legal or financial) or equivalent appropriate practical experience
have experience of working in partnership with stakeholders, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes, showing effective leadership and delivering outstanding results
demonstrate advanced problem solving and analytic skills with ability to evaluate the commercial needs of long term, large scale projects and high value high risk contracts.

What we offer you

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a strong and robust organisation founded on excellent leadership and sound equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices, built on shared core values
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements including a hybrid model between home and office-based working, flexitime and a generous leave entitlement
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

Applications close at 23:59 on Wednesday 5th November – with in-person interviews scheduled for w/c 17th November

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Kieron Dennett, Senior Head of Procurement and Commercial Services, on Kieron.Dennett@leeds.gov.uk.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

The post holder supports the Chief Officer Financial Services to deliver programmes of strategic significance to the Council in order to deliver services to customers in line with Council priorities while supporting cost saving/income generating initiatives. They will be responsible for the development and delivery of commercial strategies and outcomes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to effective contract management, cross Council projects, collaborative working with partners and supporting Directorate management team(s). They will be required to work with elected Members, MP’s, service users, trade unions and partner stakeholders in ways which support inclusive open and accountable government through the provision of strategic advice on risk management and support them in their respective roles.

Key Requirements

Accountable to and line managed by the Head of Procurement & Commercial Services, the post holder will:

Lead on strategic and operational contract management (including linking to procurement/commissioning) and commercial activities supporting selected Directorate or Services.
Working with the relevant procurement category team[i](s), provision of expert procurement and commercial advice and activities in relation to:
- Achieving savings through use of effective and innovative commissioning and procurement strategies
- Procurement and commissioning to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations and organisation policies
- Providing assurance to senior managers that procurement and commercial strategies and activities are effective;
- Supporting implementation of commissioning/procurement, strategies and practices, particularly taking into consideration operational aspects of downstream activities and processes (i.e. contract management)
Support Chief Officers to adopt effective procurement and contract management systems, providing “first point of contact” support to contract managers (including in relation to dispute resolution) and supplier relationship management, including:
- Design, development and implementation of procurement, supplier relationship and contract management strategies and practices that drive out savings and efficiencies
- Monitoring and challenging performance, with a particular focus on high-value, high-risk contracts ensuring performance is monitored and the expected outcomes are achieved and best value is achieved through the life of the contracts
- Leading discussions/negotiations or re-negotiations with suppliers in terms of scope of services, improving performance, fulfilling contractual obligations or remedial action, always ensuring value for money is achieved and that all opportunities to improve value for money or drive down spend are identified and proactively explored

Provision of information and intelligence (including utilising external contacts and intelligence around good practices that are proven to work elsewhere) to support commercial decisions, contributing to the development of complex business cases and service reviews, and contributing to design and execution of commercial strategies and business plans to generate other cost saving/income generating initiatives (including achieving new/maintaining existing government grants), proactively designing and driving new and innovative ideas.
Promoting compliance with governance arrangements, organisational policies and recommendations of Internal Audit by supporting directorate-based senior officers
Preparation of information and documentation required for procurement activities, contract negotiations and contract management, income and grant generation
Developing and driving continuous improvement plans and strategies to improve commercial standards, capabilities and procure to pay processes within the Directorate including:
- ensuring knowledge and expertise is sought and shared amongst all those involved in commercial activity (including developing competency requirements for different job roles, and identifying appropriate training),
- developing a more commercial culture (including continually looking for synergies and efficiency savings).

Advanced problem solving and analytic skills with ability to evaluate the commercial needs of long term, large scale projects and high value high risk contracts
Substantial practical experience of working in a commercial capacity, particularly in relation to at least one of the following areas:
- Commissioning/procurement (including practical application of working in accordance with public procurement regulations and organisational governance arrangements);
- supplier relationship and contract management

Substantial working knowledge of public procurement regulations and public sector procurement and commercial policies and identifying, managing and mitigating risk in relation to commissioning, procurement, supplier and contract management.
Appropriate professional qualifications (either procurement, contract management, legal or financial) or equivalent appropriate practical experience
Ability to demonstrate examples of working in partnership with stakeholders, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes, showing effective leadership and delivering outstanding results
To represent SMT as and when required to provide briefings to local ward Members and MP’s.
Significant experience of leading change and improvement programmes, including service quality and driving up standards and performance, demonstrating the ability to manage competing priorities whilst ensuring delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances.
Experience of successful strategic and operational commercial management including the evaluation of competing priorities and managing accountabilities
Substantial experience of delivering a multi-disciplinary service at a senior level that is driven by service user requirements based on delivers customer focused outcomes and excellent customer satisfaction results.
Substantial senior leadership and management experience in a service or operational area relevant to the area of service delivery
Evidence of significant experience and commitment in relation to the engagement of relevant citizens, customers and stakeholders in decision making processes.
Build strong and dynamic relationships and networks and build trust with individuals and partner agencies to deliver better outcomes for Leeds City Council.
Demonstrate knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information applicable to the relevant strategic functions e.g. Public procurement, commercial, contract and supplier management. Promoting compliance with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and commercial strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues including significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and members of the Corporate Leadership Team which commands respect trust and confidence
In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations

Working Context - The role is primarily office based but post holders are expected to work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. Hours are worked mainly Monday-Friday, in accordance with the needs of the service; however the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events as required.

The role profile and specification are an outline only and may vary from time to time without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility

Role profile

Roles at this level support the Chief Officer in the professional leadership, management and development of the service in accordance with the Council’s strategic objectives and the directorate priorities. People in these roles combine a strategic service development role with operational responsibilities for services and delivery of day to day functions that contribute to the achievement of the Council’s vision and strategic outcomes. This involves contributing to the planning, organising, commissioning and delivery of services across the council and with partners to ensure there is a fully integrated city wide approach.

As part of a directorate/service leadership team roles at this level live and model values and behaviours to help the council achieve its ambition to be the best city council in the country.

Knowledge

Have an appropriate professional qualification or equivalent substantial knowledge gained through significant managerial or practical experience within the service area and you use your knowledge and expertise to plan and enable the highest levels and standards in the delivery of work across either a specialist area(s) or an entire service

Have a comprehensive knowledge of local, regional and national issues, which influence the city and council strategy, practice and services and you maintain up to date knowledge of current thinking and developments and use this to evaluate and assess business practice to influence ways of working within the professional and technical areas of your expertise

Leadership & strategic planning

Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills to develop a high performance culture across the service where everyone can achieve their potential and ‘feel they count’ and where there is a drive to deliver the most effective and efficient solutions. Show that there is evidence of a high performing, engaged and productive workforce along with effective leadership and management that leads to solution focussed and quality outcomes
Contribute to and influence the strategic direction of the service area working with a range of internal and external partners and stakeholders. Identify clear objectives for service delivery and develop and performance manage service action plans. Ensure Business plans are in place for the service and contingencies are identified so that plan objectives can be met.

Collaboration & innovation

Lead, develop and manage partnerships and/or complex programme/project/change environments with a variety of stakeholders that challenges and looks beyond the obvious. Working effectively with partners to deliver cross service projects, thinking and acting creatively to facilitate the delivery of innovative change and new ways of working
Ensure the capacity to respond positively to change is enhanced, ‘traditional thinking’ is challenged and innovative solutions are pursued throughout the service area. You are skilled in facilitating and encouraging collaboration and motivating teams to maximise performance. Creating a culture that promotes innovation and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Problem solving & decision making

Take responsibility and are accountable for developing and implementing appropriate, proportionate and effective solutions to complex service delivery problems. Demonstrate your experience in leading the development of governance structures and actively promoting them through personal decision making
Accurately analyse information and make timely well-judged decisions in order to achieve successful outcomes across a diverse range of related and unrelated issues balancing corporate orientation with operational responsibilities. You understand the pressures facing public sector services and use this to inform decisions and promote best practice within political, legal, financial, governance and statutory control frameworks.

Deliver

Develop and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders to develop and deliver integrated, high quality, high standard, responsive services that have a positive impact for customers and citizens in the city and region, influencing the strategic direction of the service; identifying, agreeing and developing service improvement projects that reflect changing priorities
Lead and manage a number of complex and potentially conflicting strategic and operational issues/priorities and develop and implement solutions as part of a fully integrated approach to delivering required service outcomes.
Influencing the strategic direction of the service using effective consultation and a commitment to the engagement of stakeholders ensuring services support and deliver outcomes that reflect the diverse, multi-cultural needs of our city

People and resource management

Use visible, effective and supportive leadership and management skills that engages, develops and encourages talent, supports adaptable ways of working and creates strong more flexible teams. Review and monitor the performance of services, systems, budget, teams and individuals against standards and agreed outcomes in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic local, political and national context
You use a coaching approach to empower, enable and motivate your team to be their best. Embedding a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement that ensures you have the right people with the right skills. Ensure plans are in place to ensure there is an efficient and sustainable use of resources, employees are effectively employed and budgets are maximised

LCC Values

Leeds City Council values are at the heart of everything we do. They inform the way we design and deliver our services and the way we all work and behave. Leeds City Council expects all its employees and councillors to observe our core values and to understand our codes of conduct for ethical behaviour, correct use of the Digital Information Service (DIS) facilities and protection of sensitive information.

They reflect the current needs of the city. In a period of immense change and real challenge we must be both confident and decisive about what we do and how we do it. Observing our values can help us:

Working as a Team for Leeds

Work in ways which are open, inclusive, responsive and accountable to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds

Being Open, Honest & Trusted

Ensure citizens and council members are provided with all relevant information to make decisions, learn from mistakes and seek to promote continuous improvement and best practice

Working with Communities Work

Effectively with the variety of partners to deliver services, communicate and involve stakeholders and the wider community in new developments to encourage ownership and commitment

Treating People Fairly

Recognise that everyone has an equally important part to play within the Council and value the diverse and vibrant nature of the city and all its citizens

Spending Money Wisely

Set high expectations of achievement across a range of strategic outcomes, actively seek out opportunities to improve delivery of services though partnership and feedback from service users

Apply for this job