Job summary

At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. Weareenormously proudto be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We supportcandidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it isfound. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Planand theCivil Service D&I Strategy.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here:https://forms.office.com/e/Jae3B4w7xm

You can also follow our LinkedIn Page:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/

Job description

The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 9 Departments (listed at end).It is a unique cross-government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions such as HR, Finance or Procurement, commonly known as Shared Services.

The Programme is part of the Shared Services Team, a fantastic team passionate about improving the existing shared services experience forDSIT and its partners whilst working todeliverthe strategic objectives of the new Government Shared Services Strategy!

We will deliver the Government's three overarching objectives for shared services:

1. Better experience for all users - intuitive systems that are easy to use and mobile-enabled.

2. Efficiency and value for money - better systems and services which support productivity and seek to reduce costs.

3. Standardised processes and data - support interoperability, making it easier to understand and compare corporate data.

Departments forming the Matrix Programme:Cabinet Office (CO), Department for Science Innovation andTechnology (DSIT),Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS),Department for Business Trade (DBT), Department of EnergySecurity and Net Zero (DESNZ),Department for Education (DfE), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Attorney’s General Office(AGO) and His Majesty's Treasury (HMT).

Person specification

Key responsibilities:

Short Summary:

This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone to take the next step up from entry level supplier/contract manager to bring their skills, experience and creativity to Matrix and be at the forefront of our supplier management approach for our Future Shared Services arrangements. The Operational Contract Management Support will be a key supporting role for the Matrix Programme in the Programme Management and Operations Pillar which is an enabling pillar across the entire programme.

The role holder will be responsible for managing and developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders at Senior Manager and Director level to represent and ensure the Matrix Programme strategic vision is delivered.

The post holder will work closely with the Operational Contract Management Lead, Head of Delivery Management, Finance and Commercial teams ensuring that the governance process of Operational Contract management is followed ensuring smooth transitions between statements of work and stability of external resources across the programme inline with the business case requirements.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Track and document KPIs in conjunction with various work-streams across the programme to support supplier performance commitments and accountabilities.
• Ensuring performance commitments are supported with appropriate KPIs and productive working relationships are established across the departments.
• Maintain the strategic supplier and stakeholder management approach to deliver optimal results for Matrix in a complex multi-supplier/stakeholder environment.
• Establish and sustain productive working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues at various levels of experience and knowledge regarding public sector rules and regulations, to effectively support the Operational Contract Management process.
• Support contingency planning and transition from current contracts to newly procured contracts in advance of expiry.
• Provide comprehensive support for managing the contract review process, encompassing financial and performance monitoring, as well as preparing related reports to facilitate discussions with providers for accountability and negotiation of budgets and targets.
• Record and monitor issues that could affect contract delivery, take suitable action as necessary, assist in developing remedial steps, and manage these processes through to resolution or escalate them appropriately to address and reduce risks.
• Serve as a primary point of contact between Matrix and its suppliers for matters related to delivery and relationship management. Coordinate and schedule formal reviews for all contracts throughout the operational year, ensuring participation from all relevant representatives, including senior managers.
• Building on the relationship with each provider, support the implementation of effective and appropriate contract relationship for the monitoring of each contract.
• Ensure documentation is maintained to date and high levels of accuracy for deliverable tracking across each contract and statement of work.
• Support the production and completion of Operational Contract Management reports.
• Provide administrative support in meetings for the Operational Contract Management Lead documenting minutes/actions and preparing any documentation ahead of the meetings.
• Work closely with owners of statement of works and track the timelines of expiry dates ensuring that new requirements are prepared in a timely fashion in line with the Operational Contract Management process.
• Seek and document approval of deliverables each month across all statement of works to ensure accurate financial reporting and payment of invoices.
• Ensure that all starters/leavers across our managed service providers follow the onboarding/offboarding process. This involves checking security clearances, arranging hardware or IT equipment promptly, scheduling a thorough onboarding with relevant teams, and granting or removing access as needed.

Essential Criteria:

Basic knowledge of contract management and commercial principles.

Knowledge/experience in large scale projects and programmes.

Ability to support in conversations where leaders influence and negotiate with a wide network of senior stakeholders, including across functions or with external providers.

Previous experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships as this is a role that is all about bringing together different stakeholders to ensure common goals are achieved.

An ability to gather and produce information, data, insight and evidence in a way that can be used to inform decisions on complex issues.

Attention to detail.

MS Office 365, SharePoint and MS Teams Skills.

Desirable Criteria:

Contract management experience.

Project/Programme Management Qualifications e.g APMQ, PRINCE2, MSP.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,015, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £9,564 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into theCivil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

Office attendance

The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.