The Role
Post: Head of Training Contract Governance and Commercial Oversight
Salary: £79,352 per annum
Grade: FRS G
Salary range: £79,352 - £96,041 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: 4 PM on Tuesday 24 November 2026
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s fire and rescue service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city. Employing over 5000 people across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer 999 calls), fire safety and our non-operational team (our team who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, which includes Fleet, IT, HR, Finance, Procurement, Communications team and many more).
Lead the governance of one of the Brigade's most significant strategic partnerships
The London Fire Brigade is seeking an experienced and commercially astute leader to take on the newly established role of Head of Training Contract Governance and Commercial Oversight.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of training delivery across one of the UK's largest fire and rescue services. Reporting directly to the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Learning and Professional Development, you will lead the strategic management, governance and commercial oversight of the Brigade's principal outsourced training contract, currently valued at approximately £24 million per annum.
As the Brigade's lead intelligent-client representative for outsourced training services, you will ensure that contracted provision delivers against organisational requirements, operational priorities and value-for-money principles, while maintaining robust governance, supplier accountability and commercial assurance arrangements.
About the role
The postholder will be responsible for leading the Brigade's contract governance and commercial oversight function, ensuring effective management of contractual performance, financial controls, supplier relationships and strategic service development.
You will work closely with colleagues across Learning and Professional Development, Procurement and Commercial, Finance, Legal and operational departments to ensure that outsourced training services continue to meet the changing needs of the organisation and London's communities.
The role includes responsibility for:
• Leading the strategic management of a complex, high-value outsourced training contract.
• Acting as the Brigade's senior client representative and intelligent-client lead for training services.
• Driving supplier accountability through robust performance management, governance and assurance arrangements.
• Leading commercial negotiations relating to contract performance, change control, variations, claims and disputes.
• Providing strategic advice to senior leaders on contract performance, value for money, commercial risks and future service requirements.
• Overseeing contractual governance structures, performance boards, risk management processes and escalation arrangements.
• Supporting future procurement, mobilisation and transition activity associated with training delivery.
• Leading the development of contract management capability and commercial maturity across Learning and Professional Development.
Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs-london-fire-gov-uk.jobsmarket.site/pages/en-gb/jobs to access the full advert.
Eligibility
About you
We are looking for an experienced contract management professional with a strong track record of leading high-value outsourced service arrangements within a large, complex or regulated environment.
You will bring significant experience of contract governance, supplier relationship management and commercial oversight, together with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide confident leadership in a politically and operationally sensitive environment.
You will be able to demonstrate:
Extensive experience managing complex outsourced service contracts, preferably exceeding £20 million per annum.
Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience of delivering value for money through effective contract management.
Experience of leading supplier performance frameworks, including KPI management, service credits, abatements and improvement plans.
A proven ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and contractual change activity.
Experience of managing commercial, operational and supplier risks within critical service environments.
Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
The ability to analyse complex contractual, financial and operational information and translate it into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Experience of supporting procurement, mobilisation, transformation or transition programmes.
Assessment Overview
Stage 1
To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:
1. Significant experience of managing high-value, complex outsourced service contracts, preferably with an annual value above £20m, within a public sector, regulated or similarly complex environment.
2. Strong commercial acumen and advanced contract management expertise, with the ability to protect organisational interests while maintaining an effective strategic supplier relationship.
3. Detailed understanding of contract governance, supplier performance regimes, change control, contractual remedies, claims management and dispute resolution.
4. Degree-level qualification, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience, in contract management, commercial management, procurement, business management, programme management or a related discipline.
Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.
Application Sift: 25th 26th and 27th November
Sift interviews on MS-Teams: 1st December 10am to 5pm, 2nd December 08:30am to 12pm, 4th December 08:00am to 5pm
Successful candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.
Stage 2
- Stakeholder with Training Ops Team
- Written and Presentation
- Final Interview
Stage 2 is due to take place week commencing 14th December 2026.
Please be advised that if you are unable to make stage 1 and stage 2 assessment dates, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.
Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.
Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.
Additional Information
Please note: After submitting your application, you'll receive an email asking you to confirm your email address. This is a security step and your application won't be considered complete until your email address has been confirmed.
Once you have confirmed your email address, you'll receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application and providing your applicant number for future reference.
If you do not receive this confirmation email, please check that you have confirmed your email address. Also check your junk or spam folder and add the sender to your safe senders list.
Important: The email confirmation link remains valid for 24 hours, which may extend beyond the application closing date. However, you must confirm your email address before the application closing date for your application to be accepted. Applications with email addresses confirmed after the closing date won't be accepted, even if the confirmation link is still valid.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
Anyone who has contact with children, young people or adults at risk will be subject to an enhanced DBS check as part of our commitment to safeguarding.
Why join London Fire Brigade?
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in ensuring that London's firefighters and operational staff receive the training they need to serve one of the world's most complex and diverse cities.
You will help shape the future of training delivery, influence strategic decision-making and ensure that significant public investment delivers maximum value, resilience and operational effectiveness.
Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
• Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
• Hybrid working is available, subject to business need.
• Free access to the Brigade gym
• Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
• Free counselling
• Season ticket loan
• Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation
Criminal records check
In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.
Head of Training Contract Governance and Commercial Oversight in London employer: London Fire Brigade
London Fire Brigade is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the face of national challenges. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to make a significant impact on public safety and resilience across the UK. Working in London, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing community preparedness and response capabilities.
