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- Tasks: Lead commercial management for essential infrastructure, driving value and transformation.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a key player in the UK's water and wastewater services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and comprehensive healthcare support.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial strategy and make a real impact on national infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification as a Quantity Surveyor with experience in commercial leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Shape the Commercial Future of Essential Infrastructure
Location: Lingley Mere, Warrington (Hybrid)
United Utilities is responsible for delivering one of the UK’s most critical public services — water and wastewater for seven million people across the North West. As we enter a period of unprecedented investment and transformation, we are seeking a senior commercial leader to take accountability for the commercial performance of our operational supply chain at scale. This is a high‑impact leadership role, accountable for the commercial management of framework contracts supporting c. £2.5bn of capital expenditure across AMP8. You will operate at the heart of Operations, shaping commercial strategy, protecting value, and driving transformation across a complex, regulated environment.
The Role
As Head of Commercial Management (Operations), you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the commercial management of a diverse portfolio of field‑based and desk‑based engineering and technology services. You will:
- Protect and enhance United Utilities’ commercial and financial position
- Drive value creation across the supply chain — beyond cost alone
- Influence senior operational and supply chain leaders up to Executive level
- Lead, develop and inspire a team of senior commercial professionals, fostering a high‑performance culture built on accountability, curiosity and continuous improvement
- Champion a progressive commercial mindset across Operations, reframing “value” beyond cost to include outcomes, resilience and long‑term performance
- Establish clear commercial plans, KPIs and governance to support operational leadership and “client of choice” status with the supply chain
This role combines commercial rigour, senior stakeholder influence, and people leadership, and will suit a leader comfortable operating in complexity, ambiguity, and scale.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide rigorous oversight of claims, entitlements, audits, disputes and obligations, protecting UU’s commercial interests
- Act as custodian of commercial governance and compliance, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory and internal standards
- Oversee forecasting, budgeting, accruals and revenue planning across the operational portfolio
- Support operational leaders in fulfilling contractual obligations and managing supplier performance
Value Creation & Sourcing Interface
- Identify and deliver opportunities for value creation through aggregation, batching, pricing strategy and contract optimisation
- Lead early‑stage commercial input into the sourcing lifecycle, bridging Operations and Procurement
- Drive continuous improvement of commercial policies, processes and tools in partnership with Procurement
Transformation & Strategic Impact
- Play a key leadership role in Operations’ cost and commercial transformation agenda
- Bring external insight and industry best practice to evolve commercial capability
- Drive behavioural change across internal teams and the supply chain through clear standards, governance and contract mechanisms
- Shape and deliver a long‑term commercial strategy aligned to United Utilities’ wider business objectives
What you’ll Bring
- Professional qualification as a Quantity Surveyor, with significant experience leading commercial teams
- Deep technical expertise across NEC frameworks and complex, non‑standard contracts
- Proven experience managing large‑scale outsourced labour and framework contracts
- Strong commercial judgement across claims, disputes, negotiation and governance
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders up to Executive / C‑suite level
- Experience within utilities or other asset‑intensive, regulated sectors (desirable)
- Strong working knowledge of programme management, FP&A and Accounts Payable processes
Why United Utilities
- Competitive salary and senior level performance‑related bonus
- Pension with up to 14% employer contribution
- 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support
- Hybrid working and a values‑led, inclusive culture
- The opportunity to shape commercial outcomes for one of the UK’s largest infrastructure investors
Make your Impact
This is a rare opportunity to define commercial leadership at scale, influence multi‑billion‑pound investment decisions, and leave a lasting legacy across essential national infrastructure. If you are motivated by complexity, scale, and the opportunity to drive real value — we’d like to hear from you.
Head of Commercial Management (Operations) employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Management (Operations)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Commercial Management. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Management (Operations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in commercial management and any relevant qualifications, like being a Quantity Surveyor. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Commercial Management role. Share specific examples of how you've driven value creation and led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders. We want to know how you've inspired others and fostered a high-performance culture in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Commercial Management, you need to be well-versed in financial metrics and KPIs. Brush up on the specifics of capital expenditure, budgeting, and forecasting related to large-scale projects. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the role's commercial rigour.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people leadership skills. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've led teams in high-pressure environments, fostered a culture of accountability, and driven continuous improvement. Highlighting your ability to inspire and develop senior commercial professionals will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory frameworks relevant to the utilities sector. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated compliance and governance in past roles. This knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to protect the company's commercial interests.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about shaping long-term commercial strategies. Think about how you can bring external insights and best practices into the discussion. Prepare to articulate your vision for driving value creation beyond just cost, focusing on outcomes and resilience.