At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for a major government services contract and manage risk effectively.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the government services sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Immediate start required; excellent opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Step into a high-profile role and shape the future of government services.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commercial leadership and public sector contracting.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
We are supporting a leading organisation within the government services sector in the search for an experienced Head of Commercial to join on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a critical interim appointment, providing senior commercial leadership during a period of organisational transition. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring commercial governance, contract performance and risk management remain robust while longer-term decisions are made regarding the function's future structure.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior leadership, you will provide strategic commercial oversight for a major government outsourcing contract, leading commercial risk management, governance, contract compliance and value protection across the full contract lifecycle. This role will suit a commercially astute leader with extensive experience managing large-scale outsourcing, BPO, managed services or IT services contracts within the UK public sector. Experience supporting complex mobilisation and implementation programmes is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior commercial leadership across a major government services contract
- Lead commercial risk assessment, governance and value protection activities
- Oversee complex customer and supplier negotiations, including contract variations and change controls
- Support mobilisation, implementation and transformation programmes from a commercial perspective
- Manage commercial implications of legal, regulatory and policy changes
- Lead dispute avoidance and commercial issue resolution activities
- Ensure adherence to commercial policies, governance frameworks and approval processes
- Build and maintain senior relationships with client procurement and commercial teams
- Provide commercial assurance to programme, operational and transformation leadership
- Identify, manage and escalate commercial and contractual risks
- Support strategic planning, forecasting and delivery objectives
About You
Essential Experience
- Significant senior commercial leadership experience within large-scale outsourcing, BPO or IT services environments
- Proven track record leading complex commercial negotiations and post-contract management activities
- Experience supporting mobilisation and implementation programmes
- Strong understanding of contract law within public sector environments
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including risk assessment and commercial modelling
- Experience operating within structured governance and approval frameworks
- UK public sector contracting experience
Highly Desirable
- Experience managing Central Government contracts
- Experience overseeing long-term, high-value outsourcing agreements
- Supplier and subcontractor management expertise
- Strong understanding of contract pricing mechanisms and commercial models
- Experience developing and monitoring contractual KPIs
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to step into a high-profile leadership role, providing commercial direction on a significant government services contract during a pivotal period. You'll have the autonomy to make a real impact while working remotely with a highly experienced leadership team. Immediate availability is essential.
Head of Commercial in Slough employer: Arguile
Join a leading organisation in the government services sector as the Head of Commercial, where you will enjoy a flexible remote working environment with occasional travel to London. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic commercial initiatives during a critical transition period, supported by a collaborative and experienced leadership team. With a focus on professional growth and impactful decision-making, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful employment in a dynamic and supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Slough
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Arguile.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Arguile that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
