Head of Commercial

UK Biobank Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

USS Pension

Annual leave 26 days + bank holidays

Birthday day off

Hybrid & Flexible working

Healthcare plan

On-site gym and parking

Job summary

UK Biobank Limited is recruiting for a Head of Commercial in Manchester. You will lead high‑value procurements, shape routes to market, and negotiate major supplier agreements while building the commercial capability of the organisation.

You will report to the Executive Team, oversee a procurement function, and develop a strategy to maximise value and manage risk in technology and cloud contracts. Hybrid working is available and the role is based at the Greenheys/Manchester Science Park site.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex and/or high value procurements of technology or cloud infrastructure.
• Strategic procurement leadership and contract management.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the re-procurement of core platform and cloud infrastructure contracts, advising on route to market and tender documentation.
• Develop and execute UK Biobank’s commercial strategy to deliver value and reduce costs while ensuring compliance with new public procurement regulations.
• Build relationships with senior managers and the executive team to guide complex procurements and provide expert commercial advice.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Head of Commercial

Application Deadline: 18 October 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Manchester

Reporting To: Gareth Gregory

Compensation: £85,000 - £100,000 / year

Description

UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical research resource following the health of half a million volunteers. It enables discoveries that improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

We’re now looking for our first Head of Commercial to shape our approach to procurement, supplier relationships and contract management, and to build a commercial strategy that supports UK Biobank’s continued growth.

A key early priority will be leading the commercial approach to the re-procurement of our Research Analysis Platform and supporting cloud infrastructure, alongside helping us develop a longer-term commercial strategy that delivers value, manages risk and supports our wider objectives.

Can you do it?

Working closely with senior managers and our Executive Team, providing expert commercial advice across high-value and complex procurements.

Help shape routes to market, negotiate major supplier agreements, strengthen contract management, and identify opportunities to improve value across our commercial portfolio.

You’ll also have the opportunity to define how commercial capability develops at UK Biobank, supported by an existing procurement team that manages day-to-day tendering and purchasing activity.

This is a great opportunity for someone who combines public-sector procurement expertise with strong commercial judgement and an interest in technology, cloud and purpose-led work.

You will be responsible for

• Leading the re-procurement of UK Biobank’s Research Analysis Platform and Cloud Infrastructure contracts, advising on route to market, developing tender documentation, and supporting market engagement activities.
• Building strong working relationships with senior managers and members of the executive team, providing expert advice and guidance on how to design and execute complex procurements to drive best value, whilst ensuring UK Biobank is compliant with new public procurement regulations.
• Developing and leading UK Biobank’s commercial strategy, developing plans for key category spend, and exploring opportunities to adapt purchasing processes to improve value, and reduce costs.
• Leading the negotiation of commercial agreements with key suppliers and stakeholders.
• Providing dynamic and inclusive leadership with the ability to build, maintain and motivate high-performing teams that deliver at pace.
• Championing and being a role model for the organisation, acting in a way that is consistent with the desired culture of the organisation and the behaviours expected of its senior leaders.

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Experience leading complex and/or high value public procurements of technology or cloud infrastructure, including familiarity with technology-related government/CCS frameworks and experience of purchasing via this route.
• MCIPS qualification.
• Experience negotiating high-value contracts.
• Strategic thinking with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday; hybrid working is available. The role will be based at our Greenheys office, located within Manchester Science Park, just outside the city centre.

We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please get in touch with Tommy Wilson at [e-mail] so we can support you

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated at 77% (high), reflecting how people experience working here day-to-day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow.

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and development.

Our benefits

• 14.5% employer contribution to the USS Pension Scheme
• 26 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with service
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days' leave
• A paid day off for your birthday
• Enhanced family leave
• Hybrid & Flexible working available
• Healthcare Cash Plan and wellbeing support
• Free on-site gym, subsidised lunch and free parking

The job advert closing date may change, so early applications are encouraged.