At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contract service requests and support deal structuring for new business and renewals.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Optimizely, a leader in commercial operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement in processes.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact business success.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in commercial operations with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Commercial Desk Specialist supports New Business, Renewals, and Existing Customer commercial activity through a centralized Desk model. The role is responsible for managing contract service requests (CSRs), supporting deal structuring, pricing (including ramps and bundles), contract generation, and coordinating contract execution with Legal and internal stakeholders.
CSR & Desk Request Management
- Ensure all requests are logged and tracked via the CSR system
- Review, triage, and manage CSR queues and priorities
- Track CSR stages and ensure requests progress through workflow
- Maintain accurate documentation and audit trail for all requests
- Close CSRs once contracts or requests are completed
- Support improvements to CSR workflow, stages, and tracking
- Manage both standard and complex requests, escalating where required
New Business Deal Support
- Support Sales with New Business deal structuring and approvals
- Ramp deals (multi-year pricing structures)
- Bundle pricing and packaging
- Discount approvals and pricing checks
- Non-standard deal structures
- Ensure deals are correctly structured in SFDC and CPQ
- Generate contracts and documents using Conga
- Ensure pricing, terms, and commercial structure align with approvals and policy
- Support Sales during month-end and quarter-end deal cycles
Renewals & Existing Business Support
- Support processing of contract renewals, amendments and changes, extensions and restructures, price uplifts/CPI increases, and existing customer commercial requests
- Work closely with Sales and Customer Success on renewals and post-sale changes
- Ensure renewals and amendments are processed accurately and on time
- Help prevent revenue leakage by ensuring pricing and uplifts are correctly applied
- Support month-end and quarter-end renewal peaks
Contract & Legal Handoff Process
- Desk responsible for commercial sections of contracts and order forms
- Legal responsible for legal terms and non-standard clauses
- Coordinate contract workflow between Desk and Legal
- Ensure final documentation and summary notes are attached to CSR
- Maintain clear ownership and accountability throughout the process
- Flag non-standard terms or risks for Legal review
- Desk completes and closes CSR once contract is executed
Systems & Commercial Knowledge
- Salesforce (SFDC) – Accounts, Opportunities, Contracts
- CPQ – Pricing, bundles, ramp structures, approvals
- Conga – Contract and document generation
- CSR / Ticketing system
- Contract structures and agreement types
- Pricing and discount policies
- Revenue and pricing implications
- Documentation and approval requirements
Continuous Improvement & Desk Operations
- Participate in weekly Desk team meetings
- Share knowledge and best practices
- Identify process improvement opportunities
- Help improve Desk documentation and processes
- Support automation and system improvements
- Help improve Desk throughput, quality, and cycle times
Knowledge and Experience
- 3–5 years' experience in Commercial Operations, Sales Operations, Deal Desk, Contract Administration, Renewals, or a similar commercial support role
- Experience supporting contract lifecycle processes, including new business, renewals, amendments, and commercial requests
- Working knowledge of pricing structures, discounting, approvals, and commercial governance
- Experience using Salesforce (SFDC), CPQ, and contract generation tools such as Conga or equivalent systems
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders including Sales, Customer Success, Legal, Finance, and Operations
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Education
- Bachelor's Degree and relevant experience
Optimizely is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Optimizely is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
Commercial Desk Specialist employer: Optimizely
Optimizely is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for a Commercial Desk Specialist to thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous improvement opportunities and the chance to work closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, Optimizely offers competitive benefits and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Desk Specialist
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Optimizely. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Desk Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Optimizely.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Optimizely's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimizely
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Optimizely.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Optimizely will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Optimizely employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
