At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commercial direction for a high-profile public sector programme.
- Company: Join a central government client focused on impactful corporate services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and the chance to influence major decisions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-visibility, assurance-driven environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services while engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in large public sector programmes and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds preferred / Manchester (regular travel to Leeds)
Working Pattern: 60% office-based
Contract Length: Until 31 March 2027
Rate: Up to £700 per day (Inside IR35)
Clearance: BPSS
Application Deadline: 11th May (COP)
Interview: 1-stage (Teams)
We are recruiting on behalf of a central government client for two experienced Commercial Leads to support a high-profile, strategic programme within a major corporate services function. These roles are not technical or delivery-focused digital positions. Instead, they sit at the heart of programme leadership, providing strategic commercial direction, ensuring robust governance, and driving alignment across a complex stakeholder landscape. This is an excellent opportunity for senior commercial professionals who thrive in high-assurance environments and can operate confidently at enterprise level.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic commercial leadership across a large, complex programme
- Lead delivery model assessment and support programme-level decision-making
- Influence and engage senior stakeholders (Director level and below)
- Ensure strong governance, assurance, and compliance standards
- Oversee and support end-to-end procurement activity
- Align cross-functional teams to drive programme outcomes
- Operate effectively within a high-visibility, assurance-driven environment
Essential Experience
- Hands-on experience developing HMT Green Book business cases
- Exposure to Public Accounts (PA23) frameworks
- Proven track record in large, complex public sector programmes
- Strong experience across the full commercial/procurement lifecycle
- Experience operating in high-governance, assurance-led environments
- Ability to influence, challenge, and engage senior stakeholders
- Familiarity with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks
Desirable Experience
- Experience delivering large-scale programme procurements
- MCIPS (or equivalent) qualification
- Familiarity with Atamis procurement systems
- Experience with multi-lot framework development and pre-market engagement
Key Skills
- Strategic thinking with programme-level perspective
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication
- Commercial acumen and procurement expertise
- Governance, risk, and assurance oversight
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
Candidate Profile
- Senior commercial professional with enterprise-level experience
- Strategic thinker (not a technical delivery specialist)
- Comfortable navigating complex organisational structures
- Confident in influencing and constructively challenging senior decision-makers
Additional Details
- Role aligned to Senior Commercial Manager (Grade 7 equivalent)
- 37 hours per week
- Weekly timesheets
If you're a commercially astute leader with strong public sector experience and a track record of operating at programme level, we'd like to hear from you.
Locations
Commercial Lead Public Sector Programme in Leeds, Yorkshire employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
SOLOS Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead Public Sector Programme in Leeds, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Commercial Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its recent projects, especially in the public sector. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! During interviews, be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven programme outcomes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead Public Sector Programme in Leeds, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement abilities, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your experience in high-governance environments and how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your hands-on experience with public sector programmes and procurement activities. We want to see how you've navigated complex organisational structures and delivered results.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOLOS Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the programme you'll be leading. Understand its goals, challenges, and the key stakeholders involved. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic commercial leadership experience. Think about times when you've influenced decision-making or navigated complex stakeholder landscapes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this experience to the specific challenges of the programme.
✨Engage with Governance and Compliance
Since strong governance is crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of HMT Green Book business cases and Public Accounts frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance and governance in past projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Given the importance of engaging senior stakeholders, practice articulating your approach to building relationships and influencing decisions. Use real-life scenarios where you've successfully engaged with senior leaders to drive outcomes, showcasing your communication skills and commercial acumen.