Commercial Administrator

UK Research & Innovation

Salary: 37841 per annum

Band: UKRI Band D

Contract Type: Open ended

Hours: Full-time (flexible working available)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Didcot Oxon Min 2 days per week in the office (Hybrid working available)

Closing Date: 24th November 2025

About the role

The UKRI Commercial Directorate is responsible for both procurement and non-procurement commercial activities within UKRI.

For procurement activities the Directorate is responsible for assurance and the complete procurement cycle from beginning to end including planning sourcing and contract management for goods services and works for the Organisation in a legally compliant manner whilst obtaining value for money.

For non-procurement commercial activities the Directorate provides commercial advice operational support and assurance on non-procurement commercial activities and other contractual arrangements to support relevant business areas within UKRI to achieve their objectives.

For clarity this role sits within the procurement activity of the Directorate but will assist on some non-procurement commercial activities where standardised activities are suitable.

Purpose of the role

To provide essential administrative support to Commercial team to ensure optimal delivery of services and compliance with public procurement regulations

To provide insight and information to support and strengthen Commercial decisions

Act as initial contact and escalation route to the Commercial Analyst and Senior Leadership team

Support the development of local procurement and contract management skills within the team

Your responsibilities:

Governance and Assurance: Ensure all data and information held within the procurement team repositories are accurate timely and reliable.

Reporting: Coordinate reporting from procurement team members providing analysis and advice on corrective actions when needed.

Document Management: Ensure accuracy consistency quality and appropriate storage and maintenance of documentation in accordance with the UKRI Document Management Strategy.

Process Improvement: Identify define and implement process improvements across procurement governance processes and interfaces.

General administration: such as managing the procurement team calendar/inbox collating reports and producing meeting packs.

General Administration: scheduling meetings producing notes capturing decisions and actions and accurately capture and distil key information including technical discussions.

Onboarding and Induction: Assist with the coordination of onboarding induction and offboarding of procurement team resources.

Provide analytical support for contract renewals and extensions.

Demonstrate commercial professionalism within area of responsibility

Other duties as agreed from time-to-time with line manager.

Key Areas of Accountability

Reporting: Maintain the integrity and consistency of reporting outputs.

SharePoint Administrator responsible for the Commercial team internal and external SharePoint Content and documentation accuracy

Communication: Team inboxes are managed and end user queries are responded to in a timely and professional manner

Risk and Issue Management: Identify monitor and manage risks and issues planning and implementing appropriate responses.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Education qualification and training:

Good general education and qualifications

Desirable to have an analyst/procurement/business qualification

Key Skills:

Self-starter: Ability to work independently without the need for micro-management.

Attention to Detail: Strong precision and accuracy in work.

Organised: Ability to identify and proactively prioritise tasks.

Helpful: Willingness to assist the wider team as necessary.

Quick Learner: Ability to understand complex issues quickly.

Versatile: Capable of handling a variety of tasks and solving problems effectively.

Positive Attitude: Approachable personality with a positive can-do attitude.

Discreet: Ability to handle highly sensitive information with discretion.

Personal attributes:

Essential:

General Certificates of Secondary education including English and Maths grade 6 9 or equivalent experience. (S)

Excellent written communication skills including proficiency in MS Office packages (S)

Strong Excel skills (capable of using formulas and pivot tables) (S&I)

Experience in an administrative role ideally within a procurement or commercial environment (S & I)

Excellent self-organisation skills with a demonstrable ability to dynamically prioritise a workload (I)

Proactive attitude to problem-solving (I)

Proven ability to build relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders (I)

Experience of working in a large corporation or government body (S)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)

Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities

Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice

Flexible working options

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact

Please note if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK as part of your sponsorship application you and any dependants travelling with you will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information please contact.