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- Tasks: Lead supplier and contract management for university IT services, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university with a focus on technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on IT services while developing your commercial skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The IT Commercial & Contracts Manager leads on the supplier, contract and relationship management for all university procured IT services and systems within LIS ensuring that the agreed services are delivered to the right level, are compliant, and to ensure value for money is achieved following the procurement process. They will also be responsible for contributing to departmental budget planning, ensuring accurate information is kept up to date on each contract and is provided in advance to provide future budget projections.
You will act as the key liaison with suppliers for renewals, negotiations, escalations and complaints, while proactively reviewing performance for tier 1 suppliers. Working closely with the Procurement Team and key LIS stakeholders, you will manage plans for IT service renewals and acquisitions, ensuring successful post-award adoption phases.
Your specialist commercial knowledge will inform long-term financial planning and business case development aligned to our technology strategy and digital roadmaps. The postholder will also have line management responsibility for the IT Commercial & Contracts Team.
Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role. The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on week commencing 16 February 2026. If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact David Bowes at davidbowes@port.ac.uk.
IT Commercial and Contracts Manager employer: UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Commercial and Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT sector, especially those who have experience with supplier and contract management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the university's IT services and systems, and think about how your commercial knowledge aligns with their technology strategy. We want you to shine when discussing your experience with contract negotiations and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve managed teams before, be ready to share examples of how you’ve led projects or improved processes. This role involves line management, so we need to see that you can inspire and guide others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the university’s success.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Commercial and Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Commercial and Contracts Manager. Highlight your experience in supplier management, contract negotiations, and budget planning. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing IT services and relationships with suppliers. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Knowledge: Since this role requires specialist commercial knowledge, don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences. Let us know how you've contributed to financial planning or business case development in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the key contracts and suppliers relevant to the role. Brush up on the specifics of contract management, compliance, and performance metrics. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully led or been a part of. Highlight how you achieved value for money and resolved conflicts. This is crucial as the role involves liaising with suppliers for renewals and escalations.
✨Understand Budget Planning
Familiarise yourself with budget planning processes and how they relate to contract management. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to departmental budget planning and provide accurate projections based on contract information.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll have line management responsibilities, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Share how you’ve managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations, and how you foster collaboration within a team.
