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 rate of up to £700 per day and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-visibility, assurance-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector programmes while influencing 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Commercial Lead Public Sector Programme in Leeds 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its recent projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around governance and stakeholder engagement. Practise your responses to common questions so you can showcase your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by highlighting your commercial acumen and experience in high-governance environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead Public Sector Programme in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial leadership and public sector programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've influenced stakeholders and driven programme outcomes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Don’t miss out on this 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 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 aligned teams towards a common goal. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this experience to the specific challenges of the public sector programme.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios
Expect questions around stakeholder engagement and governance. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes. Highlight your ability to influence and challenge senior decision-makers while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Frameworks
Brush up on HMT Green Book business cases and Public Accounts frameworks. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these will set you apart as a candidate who understands the intricacies of public sector procurement and governance.