Air Commercial Major Projects Lead Manager

RAF High Wycombe, RAF Cosford, RAF Leeming, MOD Lyneham

Job Summary

This is a hugely exciting time to be joining Air Commercial. Through our continued transformation and investment in people, processes, and relationships, we are seeing increasing demand for our support across the whole of the commercial life-cycle at both an operational and strategic level to deliver technologically pioneering capability and support services for the RAF.

This role provides a genuine opportunity to make a significant difference to the capability, efficiency and effectiveness of the Royal Air Force and UK Defence.  You will be joining a highly capable commercial team as well as being part of a wider network of professionals across MOD and Government.  

If you have the following attributes, enthusiasm, and interest to help shape the future Royal Air Force through delivery of best-in-class leadership and commercial practices – we look forward to hearing from you.

The Air Commercial team is a Front-Line Commercial Branch, a part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Commercial Function and the Government Commercial Function (GCF). We are embedded within the Royal Air Force (RAF) operating out of their HQ, Air Command, at RAF High Wycombe with regional representation through our location Hubs across the UK. A fast-tempo, strategic and progressive Military Headquarters, the Air Commercial team deliver innovative commercial solutions and maximum value for the RAF.

We play a vital role in supporting Defence outputs by contracting across a diverse portfolio of requirements from Space Command to digital demand, helping aircraft take off and safely land, from trialling war-fighting capabilities to training our new recruits.

Air Commercial is responsible for the management of 300 plus contracts with a total combined value of £3.6Bn. It is the focal point of all delivery and interacts with stakeholder to ensure the commercial strategy delivers the capability requirement of the command, this is a highly responsive area with opportunities to develop and grow rapidly within a supportive environment.

This position falls within the Air Commercial Major Projects and Procurements Team, responsible for handling procurements exceeding £20 million and upto 1bn within the current portfolio. This includes developing a solid commercial strategy aligned with the Treasury Green Book, formulating tender documents, engaging in negotiations, and meeting requirements. The role demands adept management of stakeholders, complex intergovernmental relationships, and delivery of a diverse portfolio of activities on behalf of the RAF.

Job Description

The post holder will provide a prompt and efficient commercial service in accordance with departmental policy and best practice, whilst delivering best value for money.

The Air Command Commercial Team provides the ideal platform to develop an understanding of the procurement and commercial processes within the MOD.

Main Responsibilities

• Placement and Management of service contracts from Cat A to Cat D (10k to 400M+), working closely with stakeholder and contractors and resolving any contentious or problematic issues.
• Participate in tender exercises and evaluation of bids, including carrying out procurement from Advert, Pre-Qualifying Questionnaires, tender exercises and evaluation of bids through to Contract Award working closely with the requirement owner/customer.
• Investigation and research of requirements to assist in commercial process.
• Provide letters, briefs, reports and statistics for project and senior management as required.
• Production and maintenance of contract documentation, management of records, performance metrics and KPI monitoring and support to the team.
• Build and maintain, appropriate effective working relationships within the Delivery Team, and with internal and external stakeholders including Military and non-Military customers and Defence Suppliers.
• Keeping abreast of departmental commercial policy and procedural and administration directives, and to apply that information accordingly.
• Administer internal Management Information’s Systems and ensure records and data are up to date and correct and that policy is adopted and applied accordingly.
• Maintain and improve levels of competence by implementing a personnel development plan, reflecting the necessary training requirements associated with the post.
  
  

This role is suitable for hybrid working. Job holders may work from home or another MOD site, with regular attendance at High Wycombe as required based on individual, team and business needs

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

The post holder will provide a prompt and efficient commercial service in accordance with departmental policy and best practice, whilst delivering best value for money.

The Air Command Commercial Team provides the ideal platform to develop an understanding of the procurement and commercial processes within the MOD.

Main Responsibilities

• Placement and Management of service contracts from Cat A to Cat D (10k to 400M+), working closely with stakeholder and contractors and resolving any contentious or problematic issues.
• Participate in tender exercises and evaluation of bids, including carrying out procurement from Advert, Pre-Qualifying Questionnaires, tender exercises and evaluation of bids through to Contract Award working closely with the requirement owner/customer.
• Investigation and research of requirements to assist in commercial process.
• Provide letters, briefs, reports and statistics for project and senior management as required.
• Production and maintenance of contract documentation, management of records, performance metrics and KPI monitoring and support to the team.
• Build and maintain, appropriate effective working relationships within the Delivery Team, and with internal and external stakeholders including Military and non-Military customers and Defence Suppliers.
• Keeping abreast of departmental commercial policy and procedural and administration directives, and to apply that information accordingly.
• Administer internal Management Information’s Systems and ensure records and data are up to date and correct and that policy is adopted and applied accordingly.
• Maintain and improve levels of competence by implementing a personnel development plan, reflecting the necessary training requirements associated with the post.
  
  

This role is suitable for hybrid working. Job holders may work from home or another MOD site, with regular attendance at High Wycombe as required based on individual, team and business needs

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

Person specification

We are passionate about delivering great things for our customers. But we also know you will have a life outside of work; we respect your priorities and our industry leading flexible working practices will give you real freedom to balance work and life.

We employ talented people who challenge and guide each other. At Air Commercial you will work within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills, knowledge and experience.

Previous experience in commercial is essential, training and development will be provided to the successful candidate.

Essential

Key Skills and Experience

• Studying towards CIPS level 4 or above, or willing to study CIPS Level 4 within 6 months of starting the role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in establishing and maintaining stakeholder relationships
• Experience in procurement contracting and delivery
• Previous public sector procurement experience
  
  

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
  
  

Technical skills

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

• Understanding Needs & Sourcing Options
• Procurement Process
  
  

Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Benefits include, but are not limited to:
• Flexible working
• Training and personal development opportunities
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
• A highly competitive Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Subsidised membership to a fitness suite and lunchtime/evening Military led fitness classes
• Café and shop on site
  

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.

Selection process details

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

Please present your evidence using the S.T.A.R. format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that their submission uses the STAR format and demonstrates the behaviours detailed at SEO level in the Civil Service Success Profiles – Civil Service Behaviours booklet.   Comprehensive coverage on Success Profiles can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles 

Stage 1: Application

At The Sift Stage, We Will Assess Your Application By Using Your CV And Statement Of Suitability, Alongside Your Response To The Behaviour-based And Technical Questions Where You Will Need To Provide Evidence Of:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a quality service
  
  

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

You Will Be Assessed Against The Following Technical Skills:

• Understanding needs and sourcing options
• Procurement process
  
  

A 500 word Statement of Suitability and CV will be required for this position; this cannot be uploaded to the advert. You will submit using the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard, detailing job history, full qualifications, previous experience and skills.

Your Statement of Suitability should contain details about how you meet the Essential criteria detailed in the Person Specification.

Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in your CV, Statement of Suitability and entered as one overall score within the results.

In the event of a large number of applications we will use Communicating & Influencing and Making Effective Decisions to initially assess your application during the Sift stage. Candidates who pass the initial Sift may be progressed to a full sift or direct to interview.

Stage 2: Interview

If you are successful at the sift stage, you will be invited to a video interview using MS Teams, where you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Technical skills listed below as well as Experienced based questioning.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a quality service
  
  

You Will Be Assessed Against The Following Technical Skills:

• Understanding needs and sourcing options
• Procurement process
  
  

The initial candidate sift is expected to be completed by mid-January 2025.

Interviews with sifted candidates are expected to take place w/c 27th January 2025

The timeline above is only provisional and is subject to change depending on the volume of applications received.

Part-time or Job-share will only be considered provided full time hours can be covered.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

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

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

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.

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

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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.

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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

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 : Caroline Razavi
• Email : [email protected]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]
  
  

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: [email protected].