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.