DDaT Commercial Officer

Newham is one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs, with a clear commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality services that improve residents’ lives. We are transforming how we operate, putting people at the heart of everything we do, and using digital, data and technology to drive better outcomes for residents, staff and businesses.

The Digital, Data and Technology Directorate plays a central role in enabling this transformation. We support services across the Council by providing the technology, systems, commercial support and supplier relationships needed to deliver modern, reliable and secure services.

The DDaT Commercial function supports the effective procurement, contract management, supplier management and financial oversight of technology products and services. The team works closely with technical teams, service owners, suppliers, procurement, finance and legal colleagues to ensure that contracts are compliant, well managed and deliver value for money.

As DDaT Commercial Officer, you will support the management of technology procurement, contracts, suppliers, purchasing activity and service catalogue information across the DDaT service.

You will provide advice and guidance to DDaT colleagues on procurement routes, supplier selection, tendering, contract management, purchasing and budget management. You will help ensure that procurement activity is compliant with Council procedures, Contract Standing Orders, financial policies and relevant legislation.

You will support and manage procurement activity, including preparing business cases, tender documents, evaluation criteria and supplier assessments. You will also work with colleagues and suppliers to monitor contract performance, resolve issues, identify risks and support improvements in service delivery.

The role will include supporting contract renewals, licence management, purchasing processes, supplier review meetings, financial monitoring and reporting. You will help maintain accurate contract, purchasing and service catalogue information so that DDaT has a clear, reliable view of its commercial commitments and future pipeline.

This is a varied and important role in a busy DDaT environment, supporting the Council to manage technology contracts effectively, reduce risk, improve governance and achieve value for money. The attached JD sets out responsibilities including procurement support, supplier management, contract management, financial monitoring, service catalogue management and stakeholder engagement.

You will have experience of working in a procurement, commercial, contract management, supplier management, finance, purchasing or technology service environment.

You will be organised, analytical and confident working with a range of stakeholders. You will be able to manage information accurately, identify risks and issues, and support the resolution of complex problems.

• Have experience supporting procurement, purchasing or contract management activity
• Understand the importance of compliance, governance, financial control and value for money
• Be able to work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to monitor performance and resolve issues
• Be confident reviewing information, maintaining records and producing clear updates or reports
• Have good communication skills and be able to explain commercial information to both technical and non-technical colleagues
• Be able to manage competing priorities in a busy service environment

You will also bring a collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to build positive relationships across DDaT, procurement, finance, legal, service teams and suppliers.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by helping the Council manage its technology services well, supporting better outcomes for residents and staff through effective commercial management.

For questions about the job, please contact emma.chard@newham.gov.uk

Please view JD here

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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