Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy, manage contracts, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance procurement processes.
- Company: Join an independent public authority in London focused on sustainable and efficient service delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey that supports democracy while driving innovation and cost efficiency.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen, public sector procurement experience, and MCIPS qualification required.
- Other info: This role involves occasional site visits and leading a small, motivated team.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Location: London / Mainly Remote site visits once or twice per month
Salary: Up to £85,000 + benefits
Fantastic new permanent opportunity for an experienced Head of Commercial with this independent public authority based in London. My client’s procurement service has previously been a blend of internal and external support, but they are now bringing the service in-house to better serve the future needs of their stakeholders. They are transforming the way they operate and have an ambitious plan to provide centralised goods and services to simplify processes and ensure value for money and sustainability.
The Head of Commercial is a strategic role, responsible for developing and implementing a commercial strategy that aligns with the purpose of supporting democracy with great service, fair rules and wise spending. This role will lead commercial activities across the organisation, negotiating and managing contracts, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient, compliant procurement processes.
Key responsibilities include:- Developing and implementing robust commercial plans that support the strategic objectives, including procurement, contracting, leading negotiations and managing key supplier relationships to deliver great service, cost efficiency and added value.
- Ensuring compliance by managing and optimising procurement processes, guiding and overseeing compliance with relevant procurement regulations, policies, best practice and managing risks.
- Focusing on value for money through strategic procurement and contract management and identifying and implementing opportunities for improving commercial outcomes.
- Identifying, assessing, and managing commercial risks throughout the lifecycle of contracts with overall ownership of the contracts register.
- Working collaboratively with other teams, stakeholders and suppliers to build and maintain strong relationships, providing strategic commercial advice on procurement matters.
- Developing and maintaining a framework for managing timely and accurate contract and procurement information, including robust controls, up-to-date policy and guidance, risk registers and publications.
- Leading, motivating, and developing a small commercial team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in commercial processes and practices.
- Undertaking autonomous projects and other ad-hoc pieces of work as well as contributing to wider projects, as required.
- Strong commercial acumen: ability to formulate and execute commercial plans to support the business goals, run full high value tendering exercises and to manage key supplier relationships to deliver cost savings and added value.
- Extensive knowledge of procurement and practical procurement experience: managing and optimising procurement processes, guiding and overseeing compliance with relevant principles, existing and future legislation, regulations and practice.
- Public sector procurement; significant experience of public sector procurement regulations and contract management.
- Specific, contemporary and demonstrable professional development in operational and strategic impacts of the Procurement Act 2023.
- Negotiation and contract management skills: experience in leading contract negotiations and managing contract performance including identifying, assessing, and managing commercial risks throughout the lifecycle of contracts.
- Communication and engagement skills: building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing strategic advice on procurement matters.
- Leadership: ability to lead and motivate a small commercial team to perform at their best, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in commercial and procurement processes and practices.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills: ability to analyse market trends, risk assessment and creative problem-solving on own initiative.
- Collaboration: working collaboratively with other teams and stakeholders to achieve organisational and personal objectives.
- Flexibility and change: a flexible approach to work and change, with proven track-record of contributing to continuous improvement.
- MCIPS qualification.
For more information or to apply please send a copy of your CV to danny.palmer@sandersonplc.com
Head of Commercial / Procurement employer: Sanderson
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial / Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest public sector procurement regulations, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Understanding these regulations will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in public sector roles. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations for the Head of Commercial position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts in the past. Highlighting your achievements in these areas will showcase your strong commercial acumen and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and cost-efficiency strategies relevant to procurement. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current challenges and opportunities in the procurement landscape will set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial / Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial strategy, procurement processes, and contract management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your experience in public sector procurement and your strategic approach to commercial activities.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly showcase your strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and experience with compliance in procurement. Mention any specific achievements that illustrate your ability to deliver cost savings and added value.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this strategic role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in formulating and executing commercial plans. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led high-value tendering exercises, as this will demonstrate your strong commercial acumen.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Procurement Regulations
Familiarise yourself with public sector procurement regulations and the recent Procurement Act 2023. Be ready to explain how your knowledge can help the organisation navigate compliance and optimise procurement processes.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a Head of Commercial, you'll be leading a small team. Share your experiences in motivating and developing teams, and provide examples of how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you've handled challenges in procurement, including risk assessment and contract management, to showcase your ability to think critically and creatively.
