As the Systems Manager and User Support Lead within the Commercial Intelligence Team (CIT), you will be responsible for ensuring the software applications that form the commercial systems suite are each developed, improved, and maintained to meet the needs of the commercial function. The commercial systems include but are not limited to e-sourcing and strategic evaluation applications which are critical in driving compliant commercial process to support public procurement and contract management throughout the commercial lifecycle. Your role will be to ensure the systems and the services that support them, are fit for purpose, support commercial compliance and provide maximum benefits and efficiencies to the business.  

• You will need to be ready to lead a diverse range of activities running concurrently against demanding timescales. You must have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to set out proposals and solutions in a non-technical manner. In addition, you should be tenacious and aligned with Departmental and Commercial priorities. The role will also require you to be proactive in seeking out opportunities and leading initiatives to simplify and improve system processes and data collection through integration and automation. 
• You will be expected to become the expert in the operation of the commercial e sourcing systems quickly and lead on the development and execution of strategies to ensure the commercial systems are designed and evolved to meet the needs of the commercial operating model.
• Working closely with the Head of Commercial Systems and wider CIT, you will be responsible for the running of the Service Operating Model and processes that support the commercial Systems, including leadership of the help desk, change management procedures and day to day system management. 
• You will be responsible for ensuring a robust training and support offer is in place and kept up to date for a wide user base. You will develop training content and deliver end user training via a variety of formats. You will also be required to provide hands on support to end users across the business, identify and initiate improvements to support the user experience, promote best practice, and break down barriers to system adoption.
• You will need to develop a robust understanding of the Departments wider corporate systems and of their inter dependencies and technical integrations with commercial systems. Your responsibilities will include following established governance to ensure the Corporate Systems Group have early sight of any changes, implementations or events relating to the commercial systems that may have a wider impact.
• You will engage with the system providers to seek expertise and obtain technical support. You will participate with the cross Government working group to share best practice in use of commercial systems and public procurement processes, seeking efficiencies through collaboration on technical developments and alignment in meeting central reporting requirements.

Through your developed expertise, you will be responsible for implementing enhancements within the systems directly to meet business and end user requirements established via the change board or through wider improvement projects. For more complex requirements or functional updates you will be required to engage with the system providers and co-ordinate the delivery of these changes.

Working closely with the ‘Systems Administrator and User Support Officer’ your role will require you to provide effective task management to them to ensure the timely delivery of any project related priorities and efficient running of BAU activities. 

Activities will also include working closely with the CIT Data Insights Team to support the development of internal and external reporting requirements.

This is an opportunity to join a highly capable, dynamic, friendly, and supportive team in a challenging but rewarding role that would suit someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable, introducing and leading changes to established ways of working.

Responsibilities of the role holder will include the following:

• To lead the change management of systems through set governance procedures.
• To ensure a robust training and support offer for a diverse end user base.
• To ensure the effective daily operation of the service desk.
• To develop strong relationships with a wide range of statehooders to ensure maximum benefit is gained from the commercial systems.
• To lead the deployment of system changes and service improvements.
• To lead the roll out and adoption of new functionality and onboarding of new business areas as they are introduced.
• To identify and manage risks and impacts relating to the commercial systems and the corporate systems they integrate with.
• To ensure all work products, processes and outputs are recorded in an organised manor and maintained according to CIT procedures.

Essential criteria:

• Experienced in leading the development of commercial systems or similar software applications.
• Ability to make configuration changes directly within the systems and carry out routine updates and maintenance.
• Experience of delivering a high-quality support and training offer to end users of commercial systems or similar software applications.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge or experience of Source to Contract applications.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement process and the commercial lifecycle. 

Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

Additional Info:          

The role will require some travel to our other departmental sites.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Experienced in leading the development of commercial systems or similar software applications.
• Ability to make configuration changes directly within the systems and carry out routine updates and maintenance.
• Experience of delivering a high-quality support and training offer to end users of commercial systems or similar software applications.

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK. 

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. 

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role. 

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.