Full details of the selection process can be found 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 working towards Level 6)
or
If you cannot answer yes to this question you will not be able to proceed further with your application. You will be asked to provide further detail later in the 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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Lead criteria: Experience of leading and driving the professionalisation of a high-performing Commercial Team.
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Demonstrable experience of managing complex procurement processes and delivering value for money and delivering commercial results at pace that benefit the team and the wider organisation.
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In-depth knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, Procurement Act 2023, Managing Public Money, UK Government Functional Standards, Cabinet Office Spend Controls and other relevant procurement legislation and regulations.
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Experience of utilising excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to obtain support and engagement for commercial proposals from stakeholders at all levels.
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 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
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In-depth knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, Procurement Act 2023, Managing Public Money, UK Government Functional Standards, Cabinet Office Spend Controls and other relevant procurement legislation and regulations. (Assessed via assessment exercise)
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Experience of leading and driving the professionalisation of a high-performing Commercial Team.
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex procurement processes and delivering value for money and delivering commercial results at pace that benefit the team and the wider organisation.
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Experience of utilising excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to obtain support and engagement for commercial proposals from stakeholders at all levels.
Strengths
We will also assess you against a number of Civil Service Strengths these are not disclosed prior to interview.
Assessment exercise
As part of the interview process, you will be asked to prepare a seen presentation. Further information will be provided to you on the invitation to interview email.
Expected Timeline
Advert closes: 22 July 2026
Sift: Expected to take place 23 24 July 2026
Final panel interview: Expected to take place 3 4 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
Eligibility
Current Civil Servants (all contract types) will need to ensure that they are still employed as a civil servant at the point of starting in the relevant new post. If their contract ends (e.g. end of FTA contract or resignation) at any point during the recruitment/onboarding process for the advertised role, they will no longer be eligible and will be withdrawn.
Making a complaint
If you feel your application has not been treated fairly and you wish to make a complaint, you should email the FSAs Director of People at [email protected].
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
