Commercial Category Lead
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | London or East Kilbride/ Hybrid |
| Area | Uk-wide, UK |
| Sector | Procurement & Commercial |
| Salary | £772 Per Day |
| Start Date | May 11th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Jack Latter |
| Job Ref | 7399-PSR1JP00102129 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | SC |
- Description
- The Client:
A government department client is looking for a Commercial Category Lead to join them on a 6 month contract. This position will be based in London or East Kilbride/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Category Lead to support the Head of Commercial (Data, Digital & AI) and drive high impact, compliant procurement across the Information & Digital Directorate (IDD). The postholder will lead complex, strategically significant commercial activity across digital, data and AI services ensuring robust alignment to IDD’s new structure, product centred operating model and transformation priorities.
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., AI solutions, Software, cloud services, data platforms, digital products), aligned with IDD 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 IDD’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, 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 Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks, digital and technology frameworks (e.g., GCloud, DSP, AI frameworks, DaaS), 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 on framework suitability, market engagement requirements, and innovation pathways including POCs, trial agreements, and emerging technology pilots.
Stakeholder Influence & Governance
- Influence and advise senior leaders across IDD, d 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.
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 IDD 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 IDD’s digital, data and AI 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 digital, data, AI or 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 CCS and other frameworks, call off procedures, mini competitions, direct awards and dynamic purchasing models.
- Experience procuring AI solutions, data platforms, SaaS, digital delivery services, cloud, and technology infrastructure.
- Strong commercial acumen, risk management skills, and experience developing sourcing strategies for complex markets.
- Demonstrable experience working in a matrix environment and influencing senior decision makers.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable
- MCIPS or equivalent professional membership.
- Experience leading and coaching a team of 4+ commercial specialists.
- International sourcing or global supply chain exposure.
- Experience with emerging AI procurement principles (ethics, assurance, bias mitigation, evaluation approaches).
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., AI solutions, Software, cloud services, data platforms, digital products), aligned with IDD strategy and business priorities.
