CSOC Commercial Officer - Defence Intelligence

Position Overview

This opportunity is available at MoD Corsham (SN3 9GB), Defence Academy Shrivenham (SN6 8LA), or MoD Abbey Wood (BS34 8JH). While efforts will be made to align location preference with work demands, it cannot be guaranteed.

The Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) operates specialist capabilities across multiple domains to ensure the security of the United Kingdom at home and strengthen its position abroad. CSOC supports all UK operations by delivering essential capabilities ranging from cyber warfare to intelligence, medics, education, and special forces. As the United Kingdom’s fourth Military Command, CSOC integrates the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force under a unified command.

CSOC Commercial manages an extensive portfolio with contracts worth £7.5 billion supported by 100 commercial specialists worldwide. The environment values diversity, inclusivity, innovation, and individual contributions, fostering collaborative learning and strong delivery.

Role Summary

The Commercial Officer contributes to achieving commercial excellence by supporting the planning, development, and management of commercial strategies, procurement processes, and contract management for low complexity and low value contracts. This role requires autonomy in managing workloads, prioritizing tasks, and knowing when to seek assistance balancing urgent and important matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on sourcing compliance and procurement frameworks.
• Utilize procurement systems and e-sourcing tools to manage all phases of the procurement lifecycle with accurate record-keeping for reporting.
• Contribute to sourcing strategy development.
• Gather and organize data to support commercial strategy formulation.
• Maintain and implement approved sourcing plans.
• Challenge procurement needs, especially considering Corporate Social Responsibility and value for money, to optimize use of existing contracts or assets.
• Provide information to support procurement decision-making.
• Support various procurement activities, including conducting tenders and managing supplier communications through e-tendering tools.
• Assist in resolving contract issues and managing contract administration.
• Oversee preparation and maintenance of commercial files and audit activities.
• Facilitate contract commencement and support contract management plan development, delivery, and implementation.
• Manage contracts ensuring governance, performance monitoring, risk mitigation, financial oversight, change control, and compliance.
• Maintain management of suppliers, focusing on effective stakeholder relationships.
• Support contract exit and transition processes.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development.
• Assist project delivery teams in sourcing new goods and services from third-party providers.
• Support adherence to public sector procurement regulations using approved processes and tools.
• Participate in supplier selection based on evaluation criteria ensuring value for money throughout engagement.
• Collaborate with the team to negotiate pricing and contract terms delivering financial and non-financial benefits.
• Manage key supplier relationships proactively and oversee full contract lifecycles including amendments and ensuring quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks.
• Assist in developing sourcing strategies with internal stakeholders.
• Promote continuous improvement and assist in change management.
• Support senior commercial officers in negotiating complex contracts.
• Hold delegated authority for contracts up to £250,000.
• Provide guidance on commercial policies and processes to other teams, such as delivery groups.

Person Specification and Skills

Successful candidates must demonstrate effective communication skills to foster strong collaborative relationships with Defence personnel, government departments, and industry partners. Competency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and SharePoint, is essential.

Applicants are required to have or work towards CIPS level 4 or its equivalent within one year of employment and complete necessary modules to obtain the Practitioner Commercial Licence and MSA Allowance. These include Procurement Reform eLearning, CMCP Foundation eLearning, and the Sourcing Mechanics Course.

Behaviours and Technical Abilities

• Decision-making capability.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to deliver results efficiently.

• Developing proficiency in executing sourcing strategies.
• Developing skills in contract performance management.

Compensation and Benefits

The role offers an annual salary of £30,740 plus £8,905 contributed by the Ministry of Defence towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, which features an average employer contribution of 28.97%. Benefits include:

• Role-specific learning and development programs.
• Flexible working options respecting work-life balance.
• A culture that encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Starting with 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years.
• Ability to carry over up to 10 days of annual leave.
• At least 15 days of special leave annually for volunteer military or emergency service reserves.
• Up to 6 days of paid special leave for volunteering each year.
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave arrangements.
• Employee assistance program supporting wellbeing.
• Modern sites with excellent transport links, free parking, and additional amenities such as gyms and sports clubs.

Additional Information

This position operates 37 hours per week. Although primarily office-based, some roles may allow a hybrid approach with a minimum of 60% in-office presence depending on team needs, workspace capacity, and required adjustments. Candidates may be asked to travel to different MoD offices as required.

Relocation expenses are not provided, including costs for moving home or travel to interviews. The department is currently reviewing pay-related allowances, potentially impacting future compensation elements.