Can you use your commercial expertise to shape the future of one of London's largest housing services?
Do you thrive on leading complex procurement strategies, managing high-value contracts and delivering tangible value for residents?
Does the opportunity to influence more than £120m of annual spend while driving service improvement across a major London borough excite you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Repairs & Maintenance Service is looking for an outstanding Head of Commercial & Contract Management to join our senior leadership team and help deliver excellent housing services for Southwark's residents. This is a rare opportunity to shape commercial strategy at scale, influence major investment decisions and lead a high-performing team responsible for some of the council's most significant contracts.
What You'll Be Doing
Reporting to the Director of Repairs & Maintenance, you'll provide strategic leadership for procurement, commercial management and contract performance across Housing Services. You'll lead on the development and delivery of long-term procurement strategies, oversee major contract negotiations, and ensure our commercial arrangements deliver value for money, high-quality services and excellent outcomes for residents.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, elected members, contractors and external partners to identify opportunities for innovation, improve contract performance, manage risk and maximise the impact of our housing investment programmes. You'll also lead and develop a team of commercial professionals, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
The role carries responsibility for the commercial oversight of contracts and services worth approximately £120 million per annum, making it one of the most influential commercial leadership positions within Housing Services.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a strategic and commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering results in complex, high-value environments.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in a senior commercial, procurement or contract management role.
- Experience managing and overseeing multi-million-pound contracts and commercial programmes.
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, contract management and commercial best practice.
- Experience delivering commercial transformation, service improvement and cost efficiencies.
- The ability to build productive relationships and influence senior stakeholders across large organisations.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing professional teams.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
- A CIPS Diploma or equivalent qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Quantity Surveying, Business Management, or substantial relevant experience.
Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to delivering excellent services for residents and making a positive difference to the communities we serve.
Additional Information
This post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Occasional out-of-hours working may be required.
Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals who require visa sponsorship.
Benefits and More Information
Find out more about why Southwark is a great place to work:
Why Southwark?
Advert close date: 11:59pm on 18/11/2026
Shortlisting date: 20/11/2026
Interview date: 30/11/2026
Our Values and Behaviours:
At Southwark, our REACH values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being Resident-focused, Empowering, Accountable, Collaborative and Honest, in how we work with colleagues, residents, partners and communities. We welcome applications from people who share these values and are passionate about making a positive difference to our borough.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
This vacancy is subject to the council's redeployment arrangements. Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.
We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that diversity strengthens our ability to serve our communities. This is demonstrated through our ambitious commitment to tackling inequality and creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from members of Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level within the Council.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the following groups:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- People who are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- People who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £71,832 - £89,631
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Head of Commercial & Contract Management employer: Southwark
As the largest local authority social landlord in London, Southwark offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. With a strong commitment to diversity and community engagement, our Housing First Officers benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with passionate colleagues dedicated to tackling inequalities. Join us in shaping a fairer future for Southwark's residents while enjoying a supportive workplace culture that values your contributions.
