Consular Commercial Management Lead

Working closely with the FCDO Consular Directorate to lead and develop high-performing contract management of DDaT contracts, establishing strong supplier relationships and fostering increased business partnering. 

The role will oversee the management of Consular’s strategic Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) supplier relationships and contracts, including development of a strategy and action plan for supplier. 

You will be responsible for monitoring, reporting and reviewing commercial contract performance against metrics to measure success according to the contract guidelines, account strategy and contract management plans. 

As a member of the DDaT Commercial Senior Leadership Team, you will be reporting to the Deputy Director, DDaT Commercial and will be responsible for not just managing a team but inputting into the wider FCDO DDaT Commercial strategy. 

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

• Working closely with Consular Directorate to commercially manage DDaT suppliers and contracts.  
• Ensuring that all Contract and Supplier Management activities are being performed to a high standard and in line with best practice from sources including DDaT Sourcing Playbook and Cabinet Office guidance as well as FCDO own internal guidance.  
• Build and manage relationships with senior representatives for large Technology suppliers, serving as a point of escalation where required to enable FCDO to achieve the best Value for Money from its supplier base and to resolve commercial disputes.  
• Further escalate supplier issues or concerns to senior responsible owners where required to achieve FCDO’s objectives. Work alongside Consular Senior Civil Servants and the DDaT Deputy Commercial Director to ensure appropriate and effective management of the end-to-end contract lifecycle – from the sourcing of products and services (led by Commercial) to the ongoing management of supplier relationships and existing contracts.  
• Provide senior leadership support as a “trusted advisor” during supplier negotiations, particularly for the highest-value contracts as required. 
• Act as single point of contact for Consular to support them on the strategic relationship management of their strategic supplier relationships and escalation of any performance issues as required.  
• Provide direction and support to Consular Contract Managers with the design and effective communication of the vision and strategy for the management of the largest supplier relationships (Gold suppliers). Represent the DDaT Commercial team at all the required governance forums, both internally within DDaT/IDD and across FCDO. This will include, drafting and delivering Group Executive and Board communications where required; monthly reporting of measurable progress to Consular; etc.  
• Work with other DDaT/IDD and FCDO stakeholders to revisit the current approach to DDaT/IDD Contract Management including structure, people and processes so as to enable optimal performance and ensure the model is fit-for-the-future.  
• Commercially manage the Contract budget alongside FCDO Finance, including forecasting and management of actual spend vs. forecasts and budget.  
• Manage all Contract and Supplier Management risks, escalating the most critical ones, setting mitigation plans for all risks and ensuring appropriate implementation.  
• Conduct all contract administration activities (e.g. update contract database, communicate contract changes, etc.) Manage all contracts through their lifecycle, except for renewals post contract end, which are conducted by Commercial.  
• Other Design and implement continuous process and quality improvements (driving efficiency and effectiveness) within supplier and contract management activities. 
• Where needed, chairing Consular Contract Management Boards, being accountable and responsible for creating and updating the pack.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:   

Essential on arrival:   

• Proven experience managing large and complex contracts (ideally a minimum of ten years).
• Good standard of drafting capability. 
• Ability to work within senior teams and advise and escalate as appropriate. 
• Ability to understand and manage complex risks and issues. 
• Good communication skills and ability to operate across different levels of management and senior management.  
• Understanding of P&L, Balance Sheet and associated internal finance systems.  
• Excellent Project Management and planning skills on major contract negotiation.  
• Excellent oral and written English skills (C level).
• Experience of supplier and contract dispute resolution. 
• “Can do” attitude to problem solving within team dynamic. 
• Experience of management of small teams of junior staff working within a fast-paced procurement or commercial organisation. 
• Understanding of public sector procurement processes. 
• Relevant legal/financial skills (formal qualification preferred but not mandatory) and/or relevant commercial/contractual experience.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience: 

• Ideally one or more of the following qualifications or studying towards: 
  • IACCM Contract Management Practitioner or Expert;
  • CIPS;
  • CIMA or CCAB;
  • ITIL Service Management.
• Willingness to study towards achieving Cabinet Office Contract Management accreditation at Expert level.

REQUIRED BEHAVIOURS: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

The required behaviours for this vacancy are: Communicating and influencing; Managing a Quality Services; Working Together and an additional International Behaviour – Engaging Internationally.

This is a full-time, permanent contract, of 35 net hours per week.

The start date for the position is as soon as possible, subject to the availability of the candidate and the length of the recruitment process.

We offer:

• A base salary EUR 7374 (gross) and, in addition and sports allowance that is paid on top of the base salary
• Generous private medical insurance scheme (after successful probation period)
• A strong focus on learning and development, including support for developing English language skills
• 35-hour working week with a focus on work-life balance. Please note that while we offer some homeworking, this is primarily an office-based job
• 22 annual leave days + 14 public holidays

**We expect the interviews will be commencing on the 24th of June.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Lithuania. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Vilnius are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Lithuanian employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Lithuania and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note we only accept applications through our official portal, the link to which is provided below

https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/22746-Consular-Commercial-Management-Lead-LTU24-187/en-GB