Meet our commercial managers
Ben
“You’re not going to know everything on day one, no one does! But you’ll be given the time to learn, and be supported while you’re doing so.”
My background
Before joining the CPS, I spent seven years working in the energy industry. My last role was a metering team leader. My responsibilities included managing the metering contracts the energy supplier had in place, as well as procuring new contracts. I enjoyed what I was doing and liked the people I worked with, but I didn’t feel like there were many opportunities for progression.
In 2020, I started looking at other jobs, and saw a commercial contract manager vacancy advertised at CPS. When I looked at what the role involved, I thought, “I can do that!” I was ready for a career change, and the CPS values appealed to me too. I liked the idea of working for an organisation where I could make a difference, and CPS seemed like a good fit.
My inspiration
The culture at CPS is one of continuous improvement. There’s a real focus on thinking about what we can do better, and then working together to make it happen. Within the commercial team, I’ve felt supported and valued from day one, which has improved my confidence. I really enjoy being part of the team, and I know that help is always available when I need it.
My typical day
I started working for the CPS in September 2020 as a contract manager, helping manage our high value contracts and making sure suppliers comply with their contractual obligations. In October 2022, I was promoted to the role of lead supplier transition manager, where I’m responsible for managing contract exits and implementing new contracts. My role is quite project focused – it involves liaising with internal stakeholders to understand what they need, then working with suppliers to ensure they deliver what we need, when we need it.
My biggest learning
In my time at CPS, I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and develop. I’m currently completing a Level 4 apprenticeship in procurement and supply, which has really helped me build my commercial knowledge and skills. The advice I always give new starters when they join the commercial team is to be patient with yourself – you’re not going to know everything on day one, no one does! But you’ll be given the time to learn, and be supported while you’re doing so.
Ben - Lead Supplier Transition Manager
Ben - Lead Supplier Transition Manager
Lucy, commercial category manager
Lucy, commercial category manager
Lucy
“I deal with any issues or queries that stakeholders may have about CPS contracts.”
My background
I joined the CPS in 2019, as a procurement apprentice after completing my A level studies.
This gave me the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Certificate in operational delivery and after the completion of my apprenticeship, I successfully applied for a permanent position as a procurement administrator. After gaining more knowledge and experience, I applied for my current position as a commercial category manager.
My inspiration
One of my A-levels was in business, and I had already decided that I wanted to go straight into the workplace rather than going to university, so when I saw the role of a procurement apprentice on civil service jobs, I thought it would be the perfect role and a great way in to the civil service. I was also interested in the criminal justice sector as a whole, so the role was perfect for me.
One of the best parts about working at the CPS is the variety of different people I get to communicate with on a daily basis, whether they are lawyers or suppliers. I also enjoy the variety of work that I receive as a category manager- every day is different.
An aspect of the CPS that I really enjoy is the push for staff development. I have been at the CPS for just four years and in that time, as well as my Level 3 qualification in operational delivery, I have received a Level 4 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). There are also many development opportunities at all levels.
My typical day
A typical day involves working with stakeholders to understand their needs and what we in the commercial team can do to assist them. I also deal with any issues or queries that stakeholders may have about CPS contracts. I procure new and existing contracts for the CPS, and I facilitate contract management tasks for the operations category.
My biggest learning
The best advice that I could give someone considering a commercial career within the CPS is to apply!
Built with Shorthand