Commercial Specialist

Cadent Gas Ltd; Royton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadent Gas Ltd is seeking a Commercial Specialist to drive value-for-money through cost control, forecasting and contract management across its operational activities. You will analyse costs, challenge submissions and influence business decisions, while building strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.

The role focuses on improving performance, governance and efficiency in a safety-critical gas network environment, contributing to regulatory and financial objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience managing NEC, Term and framework contracts with governance and value-for-money focus.
• Strong cost management capabilities: forecasting, reporting, budgeting, and final accounts.
• Analytical and commercial judgment to review claims, compensation events and pricing.
• Stakeholder management with contractors, suppliers and internal teams to meet regulatory goals.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial performance across operations with cost control and forecasting.
• Challenge contractor submissions and ensure compliance and value-for-money.
• Manage contracts, performance and governance with suppliers and internal teams.
• Support continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and commercial outcomes.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure timely, compliant project delivery.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Contract management

Vendor management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Process improvement

Education

Degree in commercial discipline

Tools

Excel

Contract management systems

Job description

We're looking for a Commercial Specialist to join our Commercial team and play a pivotal role in driving commercial performance, cost control and contract management across Cadent's operational activities. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional who enjoys analysing costs, challenging commercial submissions, managing contractor performance and influencing business decisions. Working closely with operational teams and suppliers, you'll help ensure projects and programmes are delivered efficiently, compliantly and with a strong focus on value for money.

Why you'll love this role

• Drive commercial performance by providing cost control, forecasting and reporting across a diverse portfolio of operational activities.
• Influence key decisions through commercial analysis, cost assurance and expert challenge of contractor submissions and claims.
• Deliver value for money by ensuring costs are effectively managed, benchmarked and controlled.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, contractors and colleagues across the business.
• Support business-critical delivery through effective contract management and commercial governance.
• Lead continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance performance, processes and efficiencies.
• Enjoy varied and rewarding work across forecasting, estimating, auditing, negotiations, contract management and performance monitoring.
• Make a tangible impact on Cadent's operational, financial and regulatory objectives.

What You'll Bring

• Commercial and contract management expertise with experience managing NEC, Term and framework contracts, ensuring compliance, governance and value for money.
• Strong cost management capability, including forecasting, reporting, estimating, target costing, budget monitoring, variation management and final account closure.
• Analytical and commercial judgement to review, challenge and approve contractor claims, compensation events, pricing proposals and commercial risks.
• Stakeholder management skills, building effective relationships with contractors, suppliers and internal colleagues to achieve regulatory and business objectives.
• Performance and assurance focus, using benchmarking, audits and commercial reviews to maintain competitiveness, data quality, contract compliance and cost control.
• Continuous improvement mindset, identifying root causes of performance issues and implementing process improvements that drive efficiency and commercial performance.
• Leadership and collaboration skills, supporting the development of suppliers and colleagues while contributing to a high-performing commercial environment.
• Relevant qualifications and experience, including a degree (or equivalent experience) in a commercial discipline, strong commercial/contract management experience, and a good understanding of operational delivery and engineering activities associated with gas network works.

Working within a purpose-driven organisation, you'll help ensure Cadent continues to deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective services for customers while supporting key regulatory and business objectives. This role offers an excellent opportunity to apply your commercial expertise, influence strategic decisions and contribute to the continued success of the business