At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial governance for prison contracts and ensure effective service delivery.
- Company: Join Mitie Care & Custody, a leader in the justice sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free gym access, and health support services.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with ongoing development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the justice sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex contracts, ideally in public sector environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Mitie Care & Custody is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial governance of the Millsike Prison Contract and support other prison contracts across the justice portfolio. This role has end‑to‑end responsibility for commercial delivery across the contract lifecycle, with a strong focus on mobilisation, transition into service, and steady‑state performance. You will ensure contracts are mobilised effectively, managed compliantly, and deliver against financial and performance targets. You will play a key role in the mobilisation of new prison contracts, setting up robust commercial processes, controls, and governance arrangements from contract award onward. Working closely with operational, finance, legal, and mobilisation teams, you will ensure commercial readiness, risk management, and compliance from day one. Acting as a trusted commercial partner to senior stakeholders, clients, and government bodies, you will provide practical commercial insight that supports decision‑making and improves contract performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commercial governance for the Millsike Prison Contract and wider prison portfolio.
- Act as the primary commercial contact, supporting operational teams to deliver compliant, sustainable, and profitable contracts.
- Play a lead commercial role in contract mobilisation, ensuring all commercial and financial arrangements are in place at service commencement.
- Establish and embed effective commercial processes, controls, and governance frameworks.
- Manage the full contract lifecycle, including contract interpretation, variations, change control, and performance mechanisms.
- Monitor KPIs, payment mechanisms, and service credits, supporting challenge and resolution where required.
- Support financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting, including mobilisation costs and risks.
- Identify, manage, and escalate commercial and contractual risks in line with governance requirements.
- Lead or support commercial input into negotiations, claims, and disputes.
- Build strong relationships with operational leaders, finance, legal teams, and external stakeholders.
- Provide clear, pragmatic commercial advice to senior management.
- Deliver guidance and training to operational teams to strengthen commercial understanding and compliance.
About You
- Proven experience managing complex contracts, ideally within prison, justice, immigration, or wider public sector environments.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to manage risk and optimise performance.
- Confident working closely with operational teams in a regulated environment.
- Able to interpret complex contractual and financial information and provide practical solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Organised, disciplined, and comfortable working in a high‑accountability setting.
Additional Information
- Applicants must have resided in the UK for the past five years and have the right to work in the UK.
- The role requires Enhanced DBS and CTC clearance.
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Additional Benefits
- Ongoing development and career progression opportunities.
- Supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Health and wellbeing support services.
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
- Free onsite parking, including EV charging points.
- Free access to onsite gym facilities.
- Free meal during shifts from our subsidised staff canteen.
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Discount Card.
Commercial Manager - Justice Sector employer: Mitie Group plc.
Mitie Care & Custody is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive team environment that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With ongoing development opportunities, generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, free onsite gym access, and health support services, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the justice sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Justice Sector
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Mitie Group plc., are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Mitie Group plc. and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Justice Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Mitie Group plc. and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie Group plc.
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Mitie Group plc., dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Mitie Group plc..