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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial excellence and manage complex contracts for VIVO's public sector projects.
- Company: VIVO, a joint venture focused on facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that drives improvement and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Who we are
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
What we do
We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
The Role
We’re looking for a Commercial Excellence Lead to strengthen contract management, governance, and commercial capability across VIVO. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this role leads a centralised team and is focused on driving consistency, control, and performance across complex commercial contracts, primarily within a public sector environment. You’ll be the subject matter expert on contractual matters—ensuring robust processes, managing risk, and improving how contracts are delivered and governed across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Contracts & Governance
- Lead commercial excellence across VIVO, with a strong focus on contract management and control
- Establish and embed governance frameworks to ensure contractual and internal compliance
- Own processes for managing contractual claims, disputes, and escalations
- Contract Management & Risk
- Drive consistency in contract management, including change control and asset variation
- Lead contract and project risk management across the business
- Provide expert contractual advice to commercial and operational teams
- Process & Assurance
- Develop and standardise commercial processes across:
- Contract management and administration
- Billable works
- Risk and assurance
- Lead commercial assurance activity, including external audits
- Commercial Performance
- Deliver clear commercial reporting and insights
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation
- Ensure robust controls for subcontractor engagement and work allocation
- Stakeholder Management
- Build effective relationships with key stakeholders including MoD and DIO
- Support procurement strategies and supply chain engagement
- Improve understanding of contractual obligations across the business
- Leadership & Culture
- Support the Commercial Director and wider leadership team
- Promote a strong commercial culture, aligned to safety, compliance, and values
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- Strong background in commercial contract management within complex environments
- Proven experience managing contractual disputes and claims
- Deep understanding of NEC4 and public sector contracts
- Experience working with public procurement regulations (Procurement Act 2023)
- Track record of implementing commercial governance, assurance, and risk frameworks
- Experience supporting or leading commercial input into bids and supply chain management
Skills
- Strong contractual and commercial judgement
- Able to interpret complex contract terms and commercial data
- Confident communicator and negotiator
- Able to influence senior stakeholders and drive consistency across teams
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Law, Quantity Surveying, or Built Environment
- Ideally chartered (or working towards)
Additional Requirements
- UK travel
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to pass security clearance
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Head of Commercial-VIVO - Corporate Functions employer: VIVO Defence
Contact Detail:
VIVO Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial-VIVO - Corporate Functions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at VIVO or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into VIVO's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with our core values of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative. We love candidates who resonate with our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial judgement. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining the VIVO team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial-VIVO - Corporate Functions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Commercial. Highlight your experience in commercial contract management and any relevant achievements that align with VIVO's core values. We want to see how you embody open, caring, agile, and collaborative traits!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for VIVO. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial excellence and managed complex contracts in the past. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention your experience in building relationships with key stakeholders. VIVO values collaboration, so let us know how you've influenced senior stakeholders and improved understanding of contractual obligations in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of NEC4 and public sector contracts. Brush up on the key terms and conditions, as well as any recent changes in procurement regulations. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built effective relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Think about how you can influence senior stakeholders and drive consistency across teams. Being able to articulate this will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've managed contractual disputes or claims. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your ability to navigate complex situations effectively.
✨Align with VIVO's Core Values
Familiarise yourself with VIVO's core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Think of examples from your career that reflect these values and be prepared to share them during the interview. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.