Head of Commercial Contracts

Consult; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Consult is seeking a seasoned Head of Commercial Contracts to lead governance and commercial delivery across Estates Development contracts in London. You will partner with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Estates and Project Delivery to drive value, optimise contract performance and ensure alignment with organisational objectives.

The role requires strong negotiation, risk management and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of managing high‑value contracts in complex environments and

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of Estate Development, Construction, Facilities Management, and Professional Services contracts.
• Develop and implement contract management strategies to maximise commercial value and supplier performance.
• Establish effective supplier governance frameworks, including performance reviews, KPI monitoring, and contractual compliance.
• Lead contract negotiations, variations, extensions, renewals, and dispute resolution activities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, commercial, financial, and operational risks.
• Manage contract change control processes and ensure appropriate governance and approvals are followed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Provide expert commercial advice to senior leadership teams on complex contractual matters.
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and value-for-money opportunities.
• Produce commercial reporting, performance insights, and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Support procurement and sourcing activities from a commercial contracts perspective where required.
• Champion best practice in contract management, governance, and supplier relationship management.

Job description

Head of Commercial Contracts (Estates Development)

Contract: 6 Months

Rate: £600 p/d Via Umbrella

Location: London (Hybrid, 2-3 days per week onsite)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Head of Commercial Contracts to lead the commercial management and governance of a portfolio of high-value Estates Development contracts. This role will provide strategic commercial leadership across supplier relationships, contract performance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring contracts deliver maximum value and align with organisational objectives.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across Procurement, Legal, Finance, Estates, and Project Delivery functions to drive commercial excellence throughout the contract lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of strategic Estates Development, Construction, Facilities Management, and Professional Services contracts.
• Develop and implement contract management strategies to maximise commercial value and supplier performance.
• Establish effective supplier governance frameworks, including performance reviews, KPI monitoring, and contractual compliance.
• Lead contract negotiations, variations, extensions, renewals, and dispute resolution activities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, commercial, financial, and operational risks.
• Manage contract change control processes and ensure appropriate governance and approvals are followed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Provide expert commercial advice to senior leadership teams on complex contractual matters.
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and value-for-money opportunities.
• Produce commercial reporting, performance insights, and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Support procurement and sourcing activities from a commercial contracts perspective where required.
• Champion best practice in contract management, governance, and supplier relationship management.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in a senior commercial contracts or commercial management position.
• Proven track record managing complex, high-value contracts within large and complex organisations.
• Strong supplier relationship management and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Demonstrable experience leading commercial negotiations with strategic suppliers.
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management and commercial governance processes.
• Experience managing contractual risk, dispute resolution, and performance management activities.
• Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to analyse financial and contractual data.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within Estates, Construction, Infrastructure, Property, or Facilities Management environments.
• Knowledge of NEC, JCT, FM, or other Estates-related contract frameworks.
• Experience working within highly regulated or public-sector environments.
• Relevant professional qualifications in Commercial Management, Procurement, Law, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.