At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and contracts to drive value and minimise risk.
- Company: Leading telecoms company with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Play a crucial role in shaping commercial strategies and improving supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing complex supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The Commercial Manager plays a key role within the Commercial directorate, responsible for managing supplier relationships and contracts across a defined portfolio. You’ll ensure robust commercial governance, effective supplier performance, and strong cost control across procurement and in-life contract management. Operating at the interface between business units, suppliers, and shareholders, you’ll provide expert commercial support that minimises risk, drives value, and enables successful delivery across programmes and projects.
Why this role matters: Strong commercial management underpins the organisation’s ability to deliver value for shareholders while operating efficiently in a complex, multi-supplier environment. This role ensures contracts are well structured, suppliers are held to account, and commercial risks and costs are actively managed throughout the contract lifecycle. By embedding consistent commercial standards and proactive supplier management, you’ll help achieve better outcomes from the supply chain. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Central Reading office.
What you’ll be here to do:
- Own supplier relationships and the full commercial lifecycle including selection, contracting, in-life management, and exit
- Ensure all commercial activity complies with internal commercial policy, governance, and delegation frameworks
- Lead tenders, negotiations, and contract awards in line with business and shareholder requirements
- Negotiate pricing, identify savings opportunities, and drive opex efficiency
- Draft, negotiate, and manage framework and project contracts in partnership with Legal
- Manage contract change control, risk, and dispute resolution up to Director level
- Track supplier performance against contractual KPIs and drive corrective action where required
- Maintain accurate contract and pricing data within internal systems
- Support audits and provide clear commercial reporting and insight
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders, including shareholder forums
- Challenge the status quo and bring market insight to drive continuous improvement
Who we’re looking for: You’re a commercially astute professional with strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships. You’re comfortable operating independently, influencing stakeholders, and delivering results in fast-paced environments.
You’ll have:
- Experience negotiating complex framework or strategic contracts
- Strong supplier and contract management experience
- Good understanding of contract law and commercial risk
- Telecommunications industry experience
- The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
If you also have the following, we’re especially interested:
- Professional qualifications (e.g. MCIPS) and experience in JV or multi-stakeholder environments
Commercial Manager employer: Project People
As a Commercial Manager in our dynamic telecoms environment based in Central Reading, you will thrive in a culture that values innovation and collaboration. We offer a hybrid working model, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring you can develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that prioritises strong supplier relationships and effective contract management, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the telecoms industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their commercial strategies and be ready to discuss how you can add value. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract management and supplier negotiations, brush up on your techniques. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to get comfortable with different scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you’ve driven value and minimised risks in past roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed complex contracts or improved supplier performance. Let us know what makes you tick and why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to highlight any relevant experience in the telecommunications industry. If you’ve got professional qualifications like MCIPS, make them stand out! We love seeing candidates who are not just qualified but also passionate about the field.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our company culture. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Project People
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the contracts and supplier relationships relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed contracts in the past, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, come armed with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your strategies for achieving cost savings and driving efficiency, and be ready to discuss how you handle disputes or changes in contract terms.
✨Understand the Telecoms Landscape
Brush up on current trends and challenges in the telecommunications industry. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market insights will demonstrate your expertise and show that you're proactive about continuous improvement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with different parties to drive results, as this will be crucial in managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks.
