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ASSOCIATE NETWORK - EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS
Work with us on large technology deals — when client demand requires it
Wilverley Consultancy delivers independent commercial advisory on large technology deals — specialising in Financial Services on the buy side, and covering a broad range of sectors on the sell side, including Defence and Security, ADM, Automotive, Pharma, High Technology, and the global public sector.
As our client base grows, we work with a select group of experienced practitioners to support delivery on specific engagements. Associates are brought in against confirmed client demand — not retained speculatively, and not employed in any capacity.
Please read before applying: Associate roles at Wilverley are commissioned strictly in line with confirmed client demand. There is no guaranteed volume of work, no base salary, and no employment relationship. We are looking for practitioners who are already established, either independently or supplementing a portfolio of other commitments, not those seeking a primary income source.
WHAT KIND OF PRACTITIONERS WE WORK WITH
Senior FS procurement practitioners
Former CPOs, heads of procurement, and senior category managers from Financial Services firms who have run large technology or BPO sourcing programmes and can operate independently on client engagements. FS sector experience is essential for buy-side associate roles.
Commercial and bid leaders
Former CCOs, bid directors, and commercial managers from technology vendors with experience of large enterprise procurement across FS, Defence and Security, ADM, Pharma, Automotive, or public sector. Multi-sector experience is valued.
Defence and security specialists
Practitioners with specific experience of defence, intelligence, or national security procurement environments, including classified programme commercial management, MOD framework experience, and defence prime contractor commercial roles.
Sector commercial specialists
Senior practitioners with deep experience of technology or BPO procurement in Aerospace, Defence and Marine, global automotive, or pharmaceutical sectors — particularly those who have worked on large outsourcing or managed service contracts at global scale.
Contract and negotiation specialists
Practitioners with deep expertise in technology contract negotiation, commercial law, or complex IT outsourcing structures — able to support negotiation engagements on either side of the deal across multiple sectors.
Public sector procurement specialists
Experienced practitioners in UK or international public sector technology procurement — including framework-based purchasing, regulated tendering, and large-scale outsourcing programmes in central or local government contexts.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- A minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in technology procurement, technology sales, commercial management, or contract negotiation at a senior level, in one or more of the sectors Wilverley serves
- Direct experience of large, complex technology or BPO deals, either as buyer or vendor, with a track record of operating at the commercial coalface rather than in an oversight or governance capacity
- For buy-side associate roles: specific Financial Services sector experience is required.
- For sell-side roles: experience in FS, Defence and Security, ADM, Automotive, Pharma, High Technology, or the global public sector is relevant
- The ability to operate as an independent practitioner with minimal oversight — structuring your own workstream, managing client relationships directly, and delivering to a professional standard
- An existing independent trading status as a limited company. We engage associates only on a business-to-business basis.
- Availability to take on engagements at reasonable notice, typically two to four weeks when confirmed client demand arises.
- A commitment to client outcomes and the Wilverley standard of independence and integrity. Every associate represents the Wilverley brand in the market
- No current conflicts of interest with Wilverley's existing or prospective client base; we discuss this openly during the initial conversation
HOW THE ASSOCIATE MODEL WORKS
1 Initial conversation
We speak with all prospective associates before adding anyone to the network. The conversation covers your background, the sectors and engagement types you are best suited to, your current commitments, and how the model works in practice. No obligation on either side.
2 Network onboarding
If there is a clear fit, we add you to the Wilverley associate network, with a profile that covers your specialisms, sector experience, and availability. We sign a straightforward associate framework agreement covering confidentiality, conflict management, and commercial terms.
3 Engagement matching
When a client engagement arises that matches your profile, we approach you with a description of the work, scope, duration, and day rate. You are never obligated to accept. We never approach you about work that is not confirmed and real.
4 Delivery under the Wilverley brand
When you accept, you work as part of the Wilverley team, are introduced to the client as a Wilverley associate, operate to Wilverley's standards, and are supported by David Parsons throughout. The client relationship sits with Wilverley. Your job is to deliver excellent work.
5 Payment
You invoice Wilverley at the agreed day rate on completion of agreed milestones or monthly, depending on the engagement. Payment within 30 days of a valid invoice. We are straightforward to work with commercially.
COMMERCIAL TERMS
Engagement basis
Business to business
Associates are independent contractors. You must operate through a limited company.
Day rates
Agreed per engagement
Reflects seniority, complexity, and sector.
Work volume
Demand-led only
No minimum commitment. We contact you only when confirmed work exists.
Exclusivity
None required
Free to take other work. Manage conflicts transparently.
Confidentiality
Full NDA required
Framework agreement covers client confidentiality and conflict management.
COMMON QUESTIONS
I have AD&M or automotive sector experience rather than FS. Am I relevant?
Yes for sell-side engagements. Wilverley's sell-side advisory covers a broad range of sectors, and associates with deep experience in ADM, automotive, pharma, or high-technology procurement are genuinely valuable to that practice. Buy-side associate roles require FS sector experience, whereas sell-side roles do not.
I have defence and security experience. Is that relevant to Wilverley?
Very much so. Wilverley works with technology vendors pursuing contracts in defence, intelligence, and national security environments, and we are actively seeking to strengthen the associate network with practitioners who understand the sector's specific commercial and regulatory dynamics. If you have senior commercial or procurement experience in defence or security, we would welcome a conversation.
How much work can I expect in a year?
We cannot give you a number and will not invent one. Volume depends on client demand, which is variable. We can say that we contact associates only when confirmed work is available. Associates who are well matched to Wilverley's client base and available when work arises tend to get a meaningful amount of it. Those expecting a predictable income stream will be disappointed.
I currently work both on the buy-side and the sell-side. Is that a problem?
Not at all — it is exactly the kind of dual-side experience Wilverley is built on. Associates who have worked on both sides of large technology deals bring a rounded commercial perspective that is directly valuable to clients across our practice.
I am currently employed. Can I still apply?
Generally, no, unless your employment contract explicitly permits outside consulting. If you are planning to move to independent working, we are happy to have a preliminary conversation, but we would look to formalise an associate arrangement once you have made that transition.
Think there is a fit?
Send us a brief note: two or three sentences on your background, the sectors and deal types you have worked on, and what you are looking for from an associate relationship.
We read every application and respond to all genuine enquiries. We do not run formal recruitment processes. If your note looks like a strong fit, we will suggest a call.