At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and build strategic partnerships for impactful investment.
- Company: Join LGPS Central, a leading asset manager for local authority pension funds.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a focus on diversity and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the future of investment while making a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial strategy, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
Join LGPS Central at a pivotal moment, where investment meets long-term impact. The Head of Commercial and Strategic Partnerships will lead the company’s commercial strategy across supplier relationships, strategic partnerships and wider third party engagement. The role will ensure we secure high quality services and partnerships that meet operational, regulatory and value for money expectations, while supporting our longer-term strategic ambitions.
The postholder will build strong relationships across the organisation to understand business needs early, shape commercial options and support delivery. They will lead on assessing and managing strategic partnerships that strengthen capability, improve outcomes for Partner Funds and support the organisation’s future operating model. They will work closely with the Procurement Manager to ensure that procurement, contract management and third-party risk activity are joined up, well controlled and aligned to LGPS Central’s objectives.
This role will set the standard for how we manage our commercial relationships across the Company. It will shape a culture of commercial awareness, transparency and accountability, ensuring our approach remains robust, forward looking, focused on value for money and aligned to the expectations of Partner Funds, regulators, government and other key stakeholders.
What you’ll be doing:
- Commercial strategy and partnership leadership
- Lead the commercial and strategic partnership strategy, aligned to business priorities.
- Identify and develop partnership models that strengthen capability and improve outcomes.
- Set governance for commercial decisions, including options appraisal, due diligence and decision records.
Strategic partnerships and external engagement
- Own key strategic relationships and ensure clear objectives, deliverables and success measures.
- Negotiate partnership terms, including governance, performance expectations and exit provisions.
- Monitor partnership health, risks and dependencies and drive continuous improvement.
Contracting and commercial management
- Oversee contract lifecycle activity including drafting, negotiation, renewals and change control.
- Maintain visibility of key dates, obligations and commercial risks.
- Support early resolution of commercial issues and disputes.
Supplier and partnership performance management
- Set standards for service management including KPIs, SLAs, reviews and improvement plans.
- Ensure contract owners manage performance consistently and address issues early.
- Maintain accurate performance and commercial governance records.
Vendor oversight, operational resilience and risk
- Ensure vendor oversight meets regulatory expectations and supports operational resilience.
- Oversee due diligence, ongoing monitoring and risk actions for key suppliers and partners.
- Work with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Finance and Technology on third party controls and reporting.
Leadership and team development
- Build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted adviser on commercial decisions.
- Encourage continuous improvement and drive consistent ways of working across commercial activity.
- Promote a culture of transparency, accountability and proactive risk management.
About Us
LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for fourteen local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing £100bn+ of their assets. It is one of six Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.
LGPS Central’s Partner Funds are:
- Cheshire Pension Fund
- Derbyshire Pension Fund
- Leicestershire Pension Fund
- Nottinghamshire Pension Fund
- Shropshire Pension Fund
- Staffordshire Pension Fund
- West Midlands Pension Fund
- Worcestershire Pension Fund
- Gloucestershire Pension Fund
- Hampshire Pension Fund
- Suffolk County Council
- Wiltshire Pension Fund
- Norfolk Pension Fund
- Oxfordshire Pension Fund
The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class. LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.
Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.
Requirements
- Commercial and partnership leadership: Experience leading commercial strategy, contract negotiations and relationship management in a complex organisation.
- Vendor oversight and governance: Strong background in supplier due diligence, ongoing monitoring, operational resilience checks and managing third party risk in a regulated environment.
- Contracting and negotiation skills: Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial terms, managing contract lifecycles, renewals and commercial change.
- Stakeholder engagement: Strong interpersonal skills to engage senior leaders, project teams and external suppliers and partners. Able to influence and guide colleagues through commercial decision making.
- Analytical and reporting skills: Comfortable collating, analysing and presenting information on commercial activity, supplier and partner performance, risk findings and cost analysis for committees and senior stakeholders.
- Organisation and attention to detail: Ability to maintain accurate records, track obligations, monitor performance and manage multiple priorities in parallel.
- Communication: Clear communicator able to explain commercial, procurement and vendor requirements to both technical and non-technical colleagues, including senior stakeholders and committees.
Qualifications:
- A professional qualification is desirable in Procurement, Finance or another relevant field.
- Degree-level education (desirable but not essential with relevant experience).
- Must be able to meet the requirements of an FCA Certified role.
What do we offer?
We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer. Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy:
- Competitive salary
- An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
- 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
- 2 days paid volunteering days
- An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
- Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
- Welfare and Family-friendly policies
- Enhanced pay for new parents
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - 24-7 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance
- Hybrid Working
- Company Service Awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 - Personnel Today Awards 2022
- Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year - FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023
- Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023
- Winner of LAPF Investment Innovation
- Winner of Pool of the Year 2025
Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Birmingham employer: LGPS Central
At LGPS Central, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values governance, integrity, and strategic insight. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing our Non-Executive Directors with the unique opportunity to influence the future of public pensions in the UK while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to responsible investment practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships at LGPS Central!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like LGPS Central or be willing to refer you for that Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from LGPS Central who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships role at LGPS Central!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at LGPS Central. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at LGPS Central
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at LGPS Central. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
