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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and performance for a ÂŁ2.5bn operational supply chain.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a key player in the UK's water and wastewater services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of essential infrastructure and drive impactful transformation.
- Qualifications: Professional Quantity Surveyor with experience in leading commercial teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
- 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
Head of Commercial Management (Operations) in London 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) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Commercial Management. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven value in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Management (Operations) in London
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 tell us 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.
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 love seeing how you've 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 hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Commercial Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into United Utilities' commercial strategies and recent projects. Understand their operational supply chain and how they manage large-scale contracts. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in fostering high-performance cultures. Think of specific examples where you've inspired teams or driven transformation. Highlight how you can influence senior stakeholders and create a progressive commercial mindset.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical expertise related to NEC frameworks and complex contracts. Be prepared to discuss your experience with claims, disputes, and governance. This role requires strong commercial judgement, so demonstrate your ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand United Utilities' long-term objectives and be ready to articulate how you can contribute to their commercial strategy. Discuss your insights on value creation and how you can drive continuous improvement within their operations, showcasing your strategic thinking.