Full details of the selection process are detailed in the attached candidate pack.
Application and shortlisting
You will be asked to provide personal details (not seen by the Panel) and to confirm your eligibility to apply for the role.
Technical: You will be asked a question to confirm that you meet the Technical requirements of the role.
- MCIPS (or comparable qualification)
or
-
willing to work towards MCIPS
If you cannot answer yes to this question you will not be able to proceed further with your application.
You will then be asked to complete an application which will be used to assess you against the following essential criteria.
Essential criteria
Experience
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Procurement & Category Management Expertise
Experience leading end‑to‑end procurement activity utilising strong understanding of category management principles, sourcing methodologies, commercial tools, and procurement regulations. Proven ability to secure value for money and manage a pipeline of expenditure effectively. (Lead criteria)
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Commercial Acumen, Risk & Ethical Standards
Strong commercial judgement with an understanding of commercial law and its practical application. Ability to identify, assess and manage commercial, cyber, personnel and physical risks, and uphold high standards of commercial ethics, taking appropriate action to address fraud, corruption or unethical behaviour in supply chains.
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Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement
Excellent relationship‑building and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Confident in leading challenging conversations, articulating commercial benefits, establishing governance arrangements and maintaining productive supplier relationships throughout the commercial lifecycle.
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Collaborative Working & Continuous Improvement
Proven ability to work effectively within a team, support collective performance and manage setbacks constructively. The ability to apply structured continuous‑improvement approaches to enhance services, solve business issues and deliver better commercial outcomes.
Lead Criteria An initial sift will take place on the Lead Criteria.
In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the minimum pass mark for the Lead Criteria may be raised at shortlisting stage. Candidates who apply under the DCS, GPTW or RIS schemes and meet the minimum requirements will be unaffected by the pass mark raise.
Interview
If successful at shortlisting stage, you will be invited to a final interview in which we will assess you against the following Experience and Strengths requirements of the role.
Experience
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Procurement & Category Management Expertise
-
Commercial Acumen, Risk & Ethical Standards
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Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement
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Collaborative Working & Continuous Improvement
Strengths
We will also assess you against a number of Civil Service Strengths these are not disclosed prior to interview.
Expected Timeline
Advert closes: 2 August 2026 (23:55)
Sift: Expected to take place during week commencing 3 August 2026
Final panel interview: Expected to take place during week commencing 17 August 2026
Interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams. (If you do not have the Microsoft Teams application installed on your computer, you can join on the web without installing the application).
Please note that indicated dates may be subject to change.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the Food Standards Agency from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare.
Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reserve List
A reserve list will be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that the FSA does not offer visa sponsorship and cannot provide advice on visa applications
Making a complaint
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated fairly in accordance with the principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should email the FSAs Director of People at [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
