Director of Commercial

SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 91,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional governing body in Sheffield seeks a Director of Commercial to lead their corporate commercial function. The successful candidate will oversee procurement, manage complex commercial operations, and develop strategies for enhancing transport and infrastructure across South Yorkshire. Applicants should possess significant experience in commercial management and a degree-level qualification, with strong leadership and financial acumen.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial portfolio including procurement and asset management.
• Track record of shaping commercial strategies in complex organizations.
• Experience in budget management and compliance in health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of corporate commercial strategies and plans.
• Provide expert commercial advice and market insight.
• Oversee procurement and contract management activity.
• Drive supply chain resilience and manage risks.
• Ensure health and safety compliance in functions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £91,900 - £103,306 (Pay award pending)
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office).

Please note: This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Postholders are prohibited from standing for elected office (except Town or Parish Councils) and from engaging in certain political activities, including canvassing or acting as an officer of a political party. Roles listed as "specified" in Section 2.1 of the Act have no right of appeal. Further details are available on request and are available in the SYMCA – Politically Restricted Post List.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo police vetting as part of the pre‑employment checks. This process can take up to 12 weeks, and we are unable to confirm a start date until vetting has been fully completed.

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

About the role

At South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), we’re driving forward ambitious plans to transform transport, infrastructure, and services across the region. To deliver on these priorities, we’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Director of Commercial to lead our corporate commercial function and ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for South Yorkshire.

You’ll be part of a team committed to making a real difference for South Yorkshire—creating better transport, stronger communities, and a thriving economy.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of SYMCA’s operations. You’ll lead teams in the development of strategies for procurement, supply chain management, and asset management —overseeing complex, high‑value commercial operations that deliver quality, value for money, and protect SYMCA’s interests.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading the development of SYMCA’s corporate commercial strategies and plans, ensuring readiness to deliver major transport and infrastructure programmes, including bus franchising and estates.
• Providing expert commercial advice and market insight, acting as SYMCA’s intelligent client for external services and investments.
• Overseeing complex procurement and contract management activity, embedding best practice and ensuring compliance.
• Driving supply chain resilience and proactively managing risks and opportunities.
• Leading the Facilities and Assets function, maximising return on investment and managing acquisitions, disposals, and transfers.
• Ensuring robust health and safety compliance in the delivery of those functions.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partners such as South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd and South Yorkshire Police.

About you

We’re looking for a strategic leader with extensive experience across the full commercial portfolio—procurement, contract management, supply chain, asset management, and health and safety. You’ll bring:

• A degree‑level qualification (or equivalent experience) and evidence of advanced professional development.
• A proven track record of shaping and delivering commercial strategies in complex organisations.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to lead high‑performing teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience of working in a political environment is desirable but not essential.