Commercial Category Lead
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | London/ Hybrid |
| Area | London, UK |
| Sector | Procurement & Commercial |
| Salary | £650 Per Day |
| Start Date | October 6th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Jack Latter |
| Job Ref | 7737-PSR1JP00106952 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | SC |
- Description
- The Client:
A government client is looking for a Commercial Category Lead to join them on a 5 month contract. This position will be based in London/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Category Lead to support the DDaT Technology Services category. The post holder will lead complex, strategically significant commercial lifecycle activity across hardware and software on behalf of the client's DTaS (Digital, Technology and Security) Directorate.
You will deliver commercial arrangements that comply with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR15) for legacy and in flight procurements, and with the Procurement Act 2023 (PR23) for new procurements, operating confidently within a dual regime environment and ensuring governance is adhered to throughout the commercial lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy & Pipeline Development
- Lead the development of DDaT sub category strategies (e.g., Hardware, Software, cloud services), aligned with the DTaS strategy and business priorities.
- Build and maintain a forward plan of commercial activity, shaping demand with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with PR15 or PR23 as applicable.
- Translate DTaS’s product and service model into well structured commercial delivery routes, options appraisals, and risk based recommendations.
Procurement Delivery (PCR15 & PR23)
- Lead end to end procurement activity under both PCR15 (for legacy frameworks and live procurements) and PR23 (for new procurements), ensuring fully compliant processes, transparent decision making, and audit ready documentation.
- Apply PR23 requirements including transparency notices, procurement objectives (value for money, public benefit, integrity, and information sharing), and new award procedures where relevant.
- Produce high quality specifications, market engagement, routes to market, evaluation models, terms & conditions, commercial risk assessments, and contract management principles.
Framework Management & Call Off Expertise
- Provide expert guidance on the use of Government Commercial Agency (GCA) frameworks, digital and technology frameworks (e.g., G Cloud, TePAS 2, Digital Outcomes), and bespoke sector frameworks.
- Lead compliant call offs under PCR15 governed frameworks and under PR23 aligned frameworks as they transition into the new regime.
- Advise and coach colleagues on framework suitability, market engagement requirements, and innovation pathways including POCs, and emerging technology pilots.
Stakeholder Influence & Governance
- Influence and advise senior leaders across DTaS overseas networks on commercial strategy and risk.
- Engage with Cabinet Office, HMT, Ministers and cross government forums to align commercial decisions with wider government policies and controls.
- Present business cases (SOBC, OBC, FBC) and sourcing strategies at the appropriate governance boards.
- Act as a Commercial Business Partner to produce and review governance across the Commercial lifecycle to ensure an evidenced-based approach internal and external approvals.
Commercial Leadership
- Fostering a strong professional culture aligned with Government Commercial Function standards and Cabinet Office playbooks.
- Build capability in PR23, digital category management, AI procurement considerations, and commercial assurance.
- Support planning and the embedding of new DTaS ways of working.
Cross Government & Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Finance, H&S, Security, Legal, Data Governance, Architecture and Product Teams to ensure commercial solutions integrate with DTaS strategies.
- Ensure consistency across categories and alignment with other Commercial Leads.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Significant experience leading complex, high value procurements under PCR15 and/or PR23, ideally within technology categories.
- Proven ability to operate confidently in a dual regime procurement environment, including legacy frameworks and new PR23 obligations.
- Public sector experience, particularly within DDaT categories.
- Strong understanding of Government playbooks (Sourcing, Construction, Digital & Data).
- Expertise in GCA and other frameworks, call off procedures, mini competitions, direct awards and dynamic purchasing models.
- Experience procuring software, cloud platform, and technology infrastructure.
- Experience leading Commercial governance activities, including Business Case and Commercial approvals.
- Strong commercial acumen, risk management skills, and experience developing sourcing strategies for complex markets.
- Demonstrable experience influencing senior decision makers.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable:
- MCIPS or equivalent professional membership.
- Experience leading and coaching a team of commercial specialists.
- International sourcing or global supply chain exposure.
- Experience with emerging AI procurement principles (ethics, assurance, bias mitigation, evaluation approaches).
- Experience leading Commercial activities for Cloud Transformation Programmes.
An active SC clearance is required for this role. At a minimum, candidates must be eligible and willing to undergo security clearance. Due to the short-term nature of the contract and the urgency of the requirement, the client may prioritise applicants who already hold active SC clearance and meet all essential criteria.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Lead the development of DDaT sub category strategies (e.g., Hardware, Software, cloud services), aligned with the DTaS strategy and business priorities.
