Senior Commercial Manager

A public sector organisation based in London is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead complex, high-value procurement and commercial activity across the organisation. This is a senior role with responsibility for ensuring full compliance with procurement law and best practice, while delivering value for money, risk mitigation and strong supplier performance.

You will work closely with Directors and senior stakeholders, providing robust commercial challenge, leading competitive procurements, and maintaining strategic oversight of major contracts once awarded.

This is an initial 6-month contract based in London with hybrid working available, the daily rate is up to £500 per day via an Umbrella company inside IR35.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex procurement exercises in line with UK procurement law
• Ensure business requirements are output-based, market-informed and non-biased
• Challenge senior stakeholders to ensure decisions are objective, evidence-based and defensible
• Lead contract negotiations, drafting compliant contracts and variations that maximise value
• Maintain commercial oversight of major supplier relationships post-award
• Deliver category strategies, savings and value improvement initiatives
• Develop and use KPIs, procurement dashboards and scorecards to provide insight and assurance
• Identify and mitigate commercial and supplier risk across the procurement lifecycle

Accountability & Impact

• Oversight of procurement activity exceeding £10m per annum
• Delivery of efficiency savings and value improvements
• Direct line management of one senior officer and matrix leadership across wider teams

What We're Looking For

Essential

• MCIPS qualified (or advanced stage with commitment to achieve within 12 months)
• Extensive senior experience in procurement, commercial or contract management
• Strong applied knowledge of UK procurement legislation and best practice
• Proven track record of delivering savings, value and commercial improvement
• Confident influencer with experience challenging senior stakeholders
• Strong negotiation, contract management and supplier management experience

Desirable

• Public sector or central government experience