At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial governance for prison contracts and ensure effective contract delivery.
- Company: Join Mitie Care & Custody, a leader in justice sector management.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and tailored benefits.
- Other info: Must have lived in the UK for five years and hold the right to work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex contracts, preferably in public sector environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Head of Commercial – Immigration & Justice
The Role
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.
Our market‑leading offering provides you with benefits that suit your lifestyle.
Commercial Manager - Justice employer: Mitie
Mitie Care & Custody is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the justice sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture of collaboration, we provide comprehensive training and growth opportunities to help you excel in your role as a Commercial Manager. Located in the UK, our commitment to compliance and performance ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality services while enjoying a range of benefits tailored to support your lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Justice
✨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, 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 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
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 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
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Mitie, 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.
