Lead Commercial & Contract Manager

Are you ready to make a significant impact in one of the UK's most dynamic and transformative public sector organisations?

We are seeking a Lead Commercial & Contract Manager for a 6-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension, within the in-house digital product and services department of a groundbreaking entity that is reshaping the delivery of public services.

The Role: Lead Commercial & Contract Manager

As the Lead Commercial & Contract Manager, you will oversee Digital & IT contracts, suppliers, and procurement to ensure maximum value delivery. You'll work in an agile, fast-paced environment, collaborating across teams to explore innovative and efficient ways to procure goods and services, focusing on quality and cost savings

About You

To excel in this role, you should bring:

• Demonstrable experience in a Senior/Lead Commercial/Contracts Manager position (5+ years).
• Strong relationship-building and independent negotiation skills with customers.
• An excellent understanding of contracts within matrix organisations.
• Experience managing complex and large contracts within the public sector.
• MCIPS qualification or a degree in procurement, supply chain, contract management, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proficiency in understanding the products and/or services supplied by external suppliers.
• Skills in product evaluation and selection, including analytical comparison of IT products against specified criteria and costs.
• Expertise in contract negotiations, including methods, techniques, and frameworks for negotiating IT contracts.
• Knowledge of principles of contract law, including awareness of potential issues such as limitations of liability, indemnities, warranties, and termination rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead high-value and complex IT procurement initiatives while managing supplier relationships.
• Research and engage with vendors, technology leaders, and public authorities to identify procurement opportunities.
• Create and implement procurement and contract management standards aligned with corporate guidance.
• Considering sustainability, social value, risk management, and ethical issues to support an integrated procurement strategy.
• Provide training to ensure compliance with established standards across teams.
• Identify and deliver cost efficiency savings and social value benefits from new and existing contracts.
• Plan and manage all IT procurement activities, ensuring resources are available to meet service requirements.
• Negotiate bespoke solutions to fulfil service needs during the procurement process.
• Oversee IT contract negotiations, conduct reviews, and resolve disputes effectively.
• Monitor supplier deliverables, hold them accountable for non-delivery, and implement resolution measures or contract terminations.
• Develop and implement robust policies, processes, and systems to support effective contract management and procurement activities.
• Support IT services in expanding the traded portfolio by negotiating new contracts, T&Cs, SLAs, and deliverables that benefit both parties.
• Foster and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including corporate procurement, finance, and legal teams.

People Management Responsibilities

• Line management responsibility for the Commercial Officer.
• Lead generously, fostering an effective and frictionless team environment.
• Coach your team and other teams to enhance productivity and effectiveness in their ways of working.

What We Offer

We provide a competitive salary, one of the best pension schemes available, and a highly flexible working model that champions work/life balance, including hybrid working (2 days in the office per week). You will have the opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious, pioneering, and intellectually stimulating environments in local government.

Apply now to join the team in driving the organisation’s transformation and playing a key role in shaping its future.