At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance and drive fee negotiations to enhance service sustainability.
- Company: Join Hft, a national charity dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, meaningful impact, and the chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your commercial expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
At Hft, we believe in a future where people with learning disabilities can live the best life possible.
We're looking for a commercially minded and strategically focused Commercial Manager to help strengthen the financial sustainability and performance of our existing services.
This is an exciting opportunity to use your commercial expertise, negotiation skills and strategic thinking to make a real difference across a national charity.
This role is an 18 month fixed term contract
The role
Reporting to the Commercial Director, you'll lead on improving commercial performance across Hft's existing portfolio of services.
You'll drive fee management, annual uplifts and complex funding negotiations with local authorities, commissioners and other partners, ensuring we maximise income and secure sustainable pricing arrangements.
You'll also lead commercial reviews and service transformation projects, identifying opportunities to improve occupancy, reduce voids, address financial challenges and remodel services to support long-term sustainability.
Working closely with colleagues across Operations, Finance, Housing, Quality and Property, you'll provide commercial insight, influence strategic decisions and turn complex challenges into practical solutions.
- What you'll be doing
- Lead the annual fee uplift process and maximise income opportunities across our services.
- Manage complex fee negotiations with local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and other commissioners.
- Lead commercial reviews, service remodelling and transformation initiatives.
- Oversee key contracts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
- Work with operational teams and the Referrals Manager to improve occupancy, reduce voids and strengthen referral pipelines.
- Develop business cases and financial recommendations to support sustainable service delivery.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, commissioners and external partners.
- Support Hft's housing strategy and contribute to wider portfolio planning.
- Deputise for the Commercial Director when required.
What we're looking for
You'll have significant experience in commercial management, contract management, commissioning or business partnering, alongside:
- A proven track record of negotiating fees and funding arrangements with local authorities or public sector commissioners.
- Experience leading service transformation, remodelling or business improvement programmes.
- A strong understanding of social care funding models and commissioning arrangements.
- Experience developing business cases, financial appraisals and commercial strategies.
- Strong financial, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management abilities.
- The confidence to challenge constructively and lead change across complex environments.
Experience within learning disability services, supported living, residential care or the wider social care sector would be advantageous.
Knowledge of housing and accommodation models would also be beneficial.
Why join Hft?
You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful change, influence strategic decisions and help shape the future of our services.
Your work will directly contribute to ensuring Hft remains financially sustainable and can continue delivering high-quality, person-centred support to people with learning disabilities.
Our values underpin everything we do
- Diverse: We champion equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Kind: Our compassion shines through everything we do.
- Positive: We focus on solutions and working together.
- Visionary: We're proud to paint a picture of what the best life possible could look like.
- Working arrangements
This is a national hybrid role with regular travel to Hft services and other locations across the organisation.
- This role is an 18 month fixed term contract
- Recruitment Process
Applications close on: 16th November. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams, with the Hiring Manager and a member of Hft’s Executive Team.
Hft is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.
- If you require any support with your application, please contact
- Kate
Boughton: kate. boughton@hft. org. uk
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
We therefore encourage early applications.
Commercial Manager employer: Hft
Hft is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-driven culture, fostering a supportive environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement, our Purchase Ledger Lead will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact in the charity sector. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Hft. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Hft.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Hft.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Hft and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hft
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Hft will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Hft.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Hft.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Hft. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
