At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage high-value contracts to enhance housing services.
- Company: Join one of London's largest housing services and make a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Passionate about making a positive difference? This role is for you!
- Why this job: Shape commercial strategy and influence significant investment decisions for community improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 71832 - 89631 £ per year.
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?
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
Head of Commercial & Contract Management in London 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial & Contract Management in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Commercial & Contract Management at Southwark!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Southwark or be willing to refer you for that Head of Commercial & Contract Management position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Southwark who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Commercial & Contract Management star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Commercial & Contract Management role at Southwark!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial & Contract Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Southwark. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Southwark. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!