Commercial Programme Lead

Yorkshire Water; Ashford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A utility company in Ashford is seeking a Commercial Programme Lead to ensure effective management of commercial projects and contribute to high-quality service delivery. The ideal candidate should possess strong programme management skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Responsibilities include managing cost intelligence programmes and providing commercial cost assurance. This role is essential for improving service to customers and ensuring business sustainability.

Benefits

Experience in managing transformational programmes

Support for accessibility needs during recruitment

Qualifications

• Strong project management skills with experience in managing complex programmes.
• Proactive and self-motivated in identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Managing a cost intelligence programme of individual projects.
• Ensure commercial project pipeline is managed to time, cost, and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams to drive sustainable business outcomes.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Highly organised

Programme management

Proactive

Commercial acumen

Analytical thinking

Team player

Adaptability

Stakeholder management

Job description

Commercial Programme Lead – Yorkshire Water

Join the Commercial Assurance function at Yorkshire Water and be part of helping Yorkshire Water provide the best service to our customers.

We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a cost intelligence programme of individual projects (Cost Intelligence Dashboards) that are designed to provide commercial cost assurance confirming that supplier payments are in line with commercial agreements.
• Ensure commercial project (cost intelligence dashboard/system) pipeline is managed to time, cost, and quality.
• Take a leading role in organising and facilitating the Commercial Governance Forum, tracking key decisions to drive sustainable business outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams e.g., legal, finance, procurement, operational delivery.
• Ensure programme/project risks, issues and dependencies are managed in line with business targets and that any opportunities are realised to improve performance.
• Accountable for accurate forecasting and reporting of key project information to programme level reports and governing boards.

Qualifications & Skills

• Detail‑oriented: Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work.
• Highly organised: Effective time management, capable of meeting timescales, and able to multitask.
• Programme management: Strong project management skills with experience in managing complex programmes.
• Proactive: Self‑motivated and proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and driving change.
• Commercial acumen: Deep understanding of commercial and procurement processes, including sourcing, contract management, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Analytical thinking: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make data‑driven decisions.
• Team player: Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Stakeholder management: Ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships with colleagues and customers.

What We Offer

• Experience of managing transformational programmes in large organisations.
• Qualified in change management practices or Project Management disciplines.
• Previous experience gained within the water or utility industry.
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial governance and the requirements of policy, procedure and processes and the impact on the business.

Additional Details

• Closing date for this role is 2nd December 2025.
• Interviews will be held throughout December.
• Successful candidates will be required to undergo pre‑employment checks, including a Basic Disclosure Check via a third‑party company and, where applicable, a security vetting process (Counter‑Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance).
• All roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medical assessments when required.
• We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application and we will discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
• Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur.