At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and contracts to drive savings and ensure strong performance.
- Company: Join MBNL, a leader in commercial management within the telecommunications sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supplier performance and driving value for shareholders.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing complex supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Protect value. Drive savings. Enable strong supplier performance. The Commercial Manager plays a key role within MBNL's Commercial directorate, responsible for managing supplier relationships and contracts across a defined portfolio. You'll ensure robust commercial governance, effective supplier performance, and strong cost control across procurement and in‑life contract management.
Operating at the interface between business, suppliers, and shareholders, you'll provide expert commercial support that minimises risk, drives value, and enables successful delivery across MBNL programmes and projects.
Why this role matters: Strong commercial management underpins MBNL's ability to deliver value for shareholders while operating efficiently in a complex, multi‑supplier environment. This role ensures contracts are well‑structured, suppliers are held to account, and commercial risks and costs are actively managed throughout the contract lifecycle. By embedding consistent commercial standards and proactive supplier management, you'll help MBNL achieve better outcomes from its supply chain. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Central Reading office.
What you'll be here to do: You'll manage all commercial aspects of your supplier portfolio, from strategy through contract close‑out. You'll:
- Own supplier relationships and the full commercial lifecycle including selection, contracting, in‑life management, and exit
- Ensure all commercial activity complies with MBNL commercial policy, governance, and delegation frameworks
- Lead tenders, negotiations, and contract awards in line with shareholder and business requirements
- Negotiate pricing, identify savings opportunities, and drive opex efficiency
- Draft, negotiate, and manage framework and project contracts in partnership with Legal
- Manage contract change control, risk, and dispute resolution up to Director level
- Track supplier performance against contractual KPIs and drive corrective action where required
- Maintain accurate contract and pricing data within MBNL systems
- Support audits and provide clear commercial reporting and insight
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders, including shareholder forums
- Challenge the status quo and bring market insight to drive continuous improvement
Who we're looking for: You're a commercially astute professional with strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships. You're comfortable operating independently, influencing stakeholders, and delivering results in fast‑paced environments.
You’ll have:
- Experience negotiating complex framework or strategic contracts
- Strong supplier and contract management experience
- Good understanding of contract law and commercial risk
- Telecommunications industry experience
- The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
If you also have the following, we're especially interested in talking to you:
- Professional qualifications (e.g. MCIPS) and experience in JV or multi‑stakeholder environments.
Commercial Manager in Reading, Berkshire employer: Energy Jobline CVL
MBNL is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. Located in the heart of Reading, our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance while offering competitive benefits and opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in the telecommunications sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Reading, Berkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the telecommunications industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MBNL and their supplier management strategies. Show us that you understand their commercial governance and how you can drive value and savings. Tailor your examples to highlight your negotiation skills and experience with complex contracts.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Visit our website regularly and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and mention something specific from the conversation that resonated with you. It’s a great way to keep you top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Reading, Berkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you’ve driven savings and ensured strong supplier performance in your previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for MBNL. Talk about your understanding of commercial governance and how you've successfully managed complex supplier environments. Remember, we love a good story that shows your impact!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be specific about your past experiences that relate to the telecommunications industry and contract management. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to manage risks and drive value, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great addition to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial management principles, especially in the telecommunications sector. Understand how to manage supplier relationships and contracts effectively, as this will be key in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or resolved disputes. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this will show your ability to handle complex situations.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, so prepare to talk about how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your insights led to better outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to operate at a high level.
✨Understand MBNL's Goals
Research MBNL and its objectives thoroughly. Knowing their commercial policies and governance frameworks will help you align your answers with their expectations. Showing that you understand their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
