Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy Lead

inploi; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a leader for the Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy Team. This role involves developing strategic plans, ensuring effective governance, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, strong financial forecasting abilities, and the capacity to solve complex issues. A degree in a relevant field is required. This position offers a hybrid working model and various benefits, including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Access to learning opportunities

Benefits discounts

Paid volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership skills to drive forward a high performing team.
• Experience of developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Ability to prepare clear presentations and reports.
• Confident communicator able to engage with stakeholders.
• Financial forecasting and budget management skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems and deliver pragmatic solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy Team.
• Develop strategic plans and support key corporate priorities.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic planning

Financial forecasting

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or equivalent in business management or related field

Job description

Overview

Working hours: 35 hours per week, hybrid working
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 11.59pm, 28 September 2025
Interview method: In person
Interview date: 15 October 2025

This role is subject to -

• Qualification - degree or equivalent level of qualification in a relevant field i.e. business management, project management, governance, procurement, risk management, audit.

Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy is a recently formed team, bringing together officers from Energy Management Unit and Commercial Governance. The team is part of the Financial Management Service and is led by the Assistant Director: Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy.

The purpose of the role is to lead the Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy Team to deliver a number of key corporate priorities, as well as supporting the development of strategic plans and approaches to effectively deliver commercial and energy related activities.

The development of strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders whilst ensuring strong governance and adherence to legal, statutory and best practice requirements is an essential part of the day-to-day duties of the post. The role holder will provide professional consultation, advice and guidance for team members and colleagues to support the achievement of strategic organisational objectives.

A strong and detailed awareness and understanding of financial and legal matters associated with commercial and energy activities is an essential skill required for success in this role.

We are looking for a person who has the drive and determination to ensure that Manchester City Council commercial governance and corporate energy activities run smoothly and are seen as an exemplar of best practice.

Candidates should demonstrate the following through their application:

• Exceptional leadership skills to drive forward a high performing team with a broad and wide ranging remit.
• Experience of developing and implementing strategic plans for the medium and long term, with clear deliverables underpinned by robust risk management and performance monitoring.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise presentations and reports on complex subjects for diverse audiences, including Elected Members and senior management.
• Confident communicator able to engage with a variety of internal and external stakeholders on complex commercial and energy related matters.
• Financial forecasting and budget management skills to optimise resources and generate cost efficiencies.
• Ability to solve problems of a highly complex nature with associated risk factors and deliver pragmatic solutions under pressure.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and learn from others.

For further information about the role, please contact: Sarah Narici, Assistant Director: Commercial Governance and Corporate Energy, [e-mail] / 07971 384491

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension - Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover of three-times salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Enhanced family leave options to support your life events.
• Brilliant perks - Discounts on shopping, holidays, MCR+ benefits, phone contracts, cycle to work, flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - Access learning opportunities, workshops, training, apprenticeships and qualifications, plus onboarding.
• A Good Employment Charter member - Secure, flexible work, pay reviews, and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Paid volunteering leave pro-rated with other benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need adjustments to demonstrate suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: ReciteMe tool available via accessibility features on the careers page.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one criterion: Armed Forces member or veteran; current/former care leaver; disability or long-term condition; completion of GM Elevate or MCC positive action programme.

If you have completed the GM Elevate Programme, please indicate this in your Supporting Statement.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering workplace adjustments, networks for disabled staff, neurodiversity, and mental health, and accessibility commitments.

For more information about the role or adjustments, email [e-mail].

What we will need from you if you’re successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, candidates must evidence right to work in the UK before commencement. This is not a role eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Pre-Employment Checks

If successful, checks may include:

• Right to Work documentation (visa sponsorship not guaranteed)
• References from current and previous employers
• Proof of qualifications
• DBS check (dependent on role)
• Proof of Manchester residency (where required)
• Police vetting (where required)
• BPSS clearance for roles involving government data or assets
• Driving licence if required

These checks are important for safety and security.

Other relevant information

We are committed to supporting diverse and inclusive work practices and providing necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task is unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please read the attached role profile. Calculate your take home pay: use this service to estimate Income Tax and National Insurance for the current tax year.

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