Commercial Category Lead - Office National Statistics - G6

We currently have 3 positions available.

As a Commercial Category lead for Census, you will have responsibility for one of the following areas:

• Design and Integration
• Communications
• Field Collection
• Data & Operational Management
• Technology

You will become a specialist in the category area, with experience applying best practice, developing methods and tools, generating ideas, and advising or leading others across the organisation.

These roles offer a unique opportunity to lead a highly challenging and time critical commercial portfolio. To thrive, you will bring extensive commercial expertise, a track record of delivering impactful results, and the confidence to operate at a senior level. You will have built a credible career and be ready to demonstrate your success across the key areas below.

• Develop and implement market-facing Category Strategies that maximise innovation, value, and organisational benefits.
• Lead Delivery Model Assessments and secure agreement on recommended approaches.
• Plan, implement, and manage major supplier contracts for Census delivery.

• Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring compliance with commercial policy, sourcing processes, and procurement regulations.
• Provide commercial protection for the organisation by ensuring adherence to legal, financial, regulatory, and government requirements with embedded risk analysis and management.

• Lead contract negotiations, including pricing and terms, using a strong understanding of various contract forms (Model Services, Mid-Tier, Short Form, Bespoke).
• Develop structured negotiation strategies aligned with legislation and organisational objectives, understanding the appropriate levers available to develop a structured negotiation plan.
• Provide leadership development support to Commercial team members as part of a wider positive and proactive approach as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

• Build strong and effective relationships with existing and potential suppliers through early and ongoing market engagement.
• Work with Government Crown Representatives and Strategic Partnering Managers to embed strategic supplier management practices.
• Ensure supplier relationships support competitive pricing and high-quality solutions.

• Promote the organisation’s reputation and vision, inspiring engagement from internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues, customers and delivery partners to achieve agreed commercial outcomes, inspiring full engagement and alignment with the aims and long-term vision for Census.
• Foster strong working relationships with Category, Finance, and Delivery leads to support cohesive delivery.