At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and contracts to drive savings and ensure strong performance.
- Company: Join MBNL, a leader in telecom, focused on delivering value and efficiency.
- 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 managing complex contracts.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier management required.
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.
Hybrid Commercial Manager - Telecom Contracts in Reading employer: Energy Jobline CVL
MBNL is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. With a focus on strong supplier performance and cost control, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the vibrant city of Reading. The company fosters a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are welcomed, ensuring that every team member can contribute to impactful projects and achieve their professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hybrid Commercial Manager - Telecom Contracts in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the telecom industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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 its suppliers. Understand their projects and challenges so you can showcase how your skills in commercial management and supplier relationships can drive value. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract management and negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and pricing during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining MBNL and are ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Hybrid Commercial Manager - Telecom Contracts in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Commercial Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, include specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve driven savings or improved supplier performance, so make those stories shine in your application!
Highlight Your Industry Knowledge:If you have experience in the telecommunications sector, be sure to mention it! We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of this industry, so any relevant insights or experiences will definitely give you an edge.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with key terms and conditions, as well as any recent changes in contract law that may affect your role. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you identified savings opportunities and drove efficiency. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements, as this will demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Understand MBNL's Business Model
Research MBNL’s operations, especially their approach to supplier management and commercial governance. Being able to speak about how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their needs and challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully engaged and influenced senior stakeholders in your previous roles. Share strategies you've used to build relationships and drive results, as this is crucial for the role. Demonstrating your ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments will resonate well with the interviewers.
