Senior Commercial Lead

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

LGPS

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

DBS check

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton, England seeks a Senior Commercial Lead to provide strategic leadership for commercial activity across services, overseeing contract management, commissioning and performance. You will work with senior leaders, partners and suppliers to ensure value, risk management and service excellence.

Join a role that shapes priorities, drives partnerships and supports the Council's long-term ambitions in a hybrid working environment within Somerset.

Qualifications

• Experience leading in senior commercial, commissioning, contract management, or procurement leadership roles.
• Strong leadership and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and manage high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic management of complex, high-value contracts and supplier relationships.
• Provide expert commercial advice to senior leaders on commissioning and procurement.
• Develop and oversee performance frameworks to drive value for money and continuous improvement.
• Lead negotiations, resolve contractual issues, and manage risk to protect the Council's interests.
• Build partnerships with internal teams, suppliers and external organisations for effective service delivery.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement leadership

Commercial strategy

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Job description

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Contract: This is a fixed term role until November 2027

Are you a proven commercial leader looking for an opportunity to shape strategic decision-making, influence the delivery of critical public services, and drive meaningful outcomes for communities across Somerset?

This is a rare opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role where you'll drive complex commercial activity, influence organisational priorities, and work alongside senior leaders to deliver value, innovation, and service excellence. If you're passionate about building strong partnerships, maximising commercial opportunities, and making a lasting impact at scale, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Senior Commercial Lead, you will provide strategic leadership for commercial activity across a diverse portfolio of services, overseeing contract management, commissioning, and commercial performance. Working closely with senior leaders, partners, and suppliers, you'll ensure contracts and partnerships deliver excellent outcomes, manage risk effectively, and support the Council's long-term ambitions.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the strategic management of complex, high-value contracts and supplier relationships.
• Provide expert commercial advice to senior leaders on commissioning, procurement, service delivery models, and contract performance.
• Develop and oversee performance and quality frameworks that drive continuous improvement and deliver value for money.
• Lead commercial negotiations, resolve contractual issues, and manage risks to protect the Council's interests.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams, suppliers, and external organisations to support effective service delivery.
• Lead, support, and develop commercial professionals, promoting best practice across the organisation.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience operating in a senior commercial, commissioning, contract management, or procurement leadership role.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and build effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-value contracts and strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong experience influencing senior leaders and stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives.
• Experience leading commercial negotiations, managing risk, and driving service improvement and value for money.
• Excellent commercial, financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex environments.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 33 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• This role is subject to a Standard DBS check.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interviews are set to take place on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd November.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Gary Coleman (Strategic Manager Commercial and Procurement) on [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.