The government is recruiting to a range of commercially-focused technology jobs - Photo credit: PA

The roles are advertised by the Government Commercial Function, which was set up as part of efforts to improve the government’s commercial performance after a series of issues with major contracts and suppliers, but will report in to the relevant departments.

Among these, the highest paid role is to lead the 60-strong IT commercial team at HMRC, which is offered at a salary of £160,000, and will involve supporting the transformation of the section’s IT function.

Related content

HMRC launches recruitment drive as it expands API Developer Hub
Government to replace Civil Service Jobs site
Transforming the Public Sector with Dynamics 365

The government’s job specification for the HMRC role called for someone who can “think on [their] feet”, has the ability to “hold [their] own” in high-level meetings with senior IT personnel and is capable of briefing ministers and the permanent secretary.

They should be “an outstanding commercial leader” who can build effective teams and influential relationships, as well as having broad IT experience and up-to-date commercial and market IT insights. The deadline for this role is 22 January.

In addition to the HMRC role, other positions for commercial and technology specialists advertised by the Government Commercial Function include a head of infrastructure to join the commercial directorate at the Department for Work and Pensions.

This position – offered at £109,000 and closing on 5 February – will support the DWP’s technology group and is part of the department’s efforts to disaggregate large-scale contracts with key suppliers and change the way it procures software, hardware, services and resources.

This person will be responsible for leading large teams that are working to develop, renew and negotiate existing and new contracts for the departments, as well as providing commercial support and guidance to senior stakeholders.

Meanwhile, there are four positions for people with commercial experience developed in technology departments to work with the Crown Commercial Service.

These include a commercial specialist in software, which is described as an area of “significant growth” for the CCS, in technology products and services, and in cloud and digital – all of which close on 10 February and are advertised at £109,000.

There is also the position of commercialist specialist in information and content management in the corporate solutions section of the CCS, which has a salary of £100,000 and closes on 27 January.