At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and contracts to drive value and minimise risk.
- Company: Join MBNL, a leader in commercial management within the telecommunications sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring effective supplier performance and governance.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing complex supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
You must be eligible to work in the UK without the need for Sponsorship.
The Commercial Manager plays a key role within MBNL’s 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, suppliers, and shareholders, you’ll provide expert commercial support that minimises risk, drives value, and enables successful delivery across MBNL programmes and projects.
Why this role matters:
Strong commercial management underpins MBNL’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 MBNL achieve better outcomes from its 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 MBNL commercial policy, governance, and delegation frameworks.
- Lead tenders, negotiations, and contract awards in line with shareholder and business 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 MBNL 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.
Additional qualifications:
- Experience in JV or multi‑stakeholder environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (In Life Contract Management) in Reading
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Project People.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (In Life Contract Management) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Project People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Project People. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Project People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Project People
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Project People!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Project People. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Project People's culture.
