Senior Contract and Commercial Manager

National Grid; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Pension matching

Share incentive plan

Flexible benefits

Car and tech schemes

Employee assistance

Job summary

National Grid Ventures Interconnectors in the United Kingdom seeks a Senior Contract & Commercial Manager to lead a portfolio of complex, operationally critical contracts and manage the supplier relationship. You will drive contracting strategies, commercial risk mitigation, and ensure suppliers meet operational needs with collaboration across stakeholders.

You will guide complex commercial matters, ensure KPI/SLAs are met, and lead improvements in contracting processes while supporting budget

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex contracts in construction/operational environments.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial risk.
• Proven ability to manage supply chains and warranties.
• Excellent communication with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and drafting of complex, operational contracts.
• Own and manage a portfolio of contracts as commercial lead.
• Lead on spot tenders and framework awards when required.
• Provide commercial assurance and cost evaluation.
• Support budget preparation and cost control processes.
• Drive contract performance management via KPIs and SLAs.
• Advise on complex contractual matters to stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate contractual and commercial risks.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and drive process improvements.
• Coach and train others in contract and supplier management.

Skills

Contract management

Supplier relationship mgmt

Contract law

CMS / Coupa

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Commercial risk management

Cost analysis

Leadership

Tools

Coupa

CMS

Job description

About the role

There's never been a more exciting time to join National Grid Ventures Interconnectors.

Sitting at the heart of the UK's transition to a net zero energy future, Interconnectors connect the UK to neighbouring energy systems-supporting security of supply, reducing costs for consumers, and enabling access to cleaner energy sources. Alongside an established portfolio, we are continuing to develop new interconnector projects to meet the UK's future energy demands.

We're now looking for a Senior Contract & Commercial Manager to join our Operations team, playing a critical role in ensuring our supply chain and contracts are in place to support reliable and efficient operations.

As a Senior Contract & Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for a portfolio of complex, operationally critical contracts, ensuring effective commercial management across the supply chain.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to define the right contracting strategies, mitigate commercial risk, and ensure suppliers are equipped to deliver operational requirements. This role requires a collaborative, solutions-focused individual who can navigate complexity and provide leadership across contract and supplier management activities.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and drafting of complex, operationally critical contractsOwn and manage a portfolio of contracts, acting as the key commercial lead within the Contract Management Team
• Act as the commercial lead on spot tenders and framework awards where required
• Provide commercial assurance, including cost evaluation and quality review of contract documentation
• Support budget preparation and cost control processes
• Lead contract performance management through KPIs and SLAs, driving resolution of issues and continuous improvement
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex contractual matters to stakeholders and team members
• Identify and resolve contractual discrepancies and commercial risks
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to protect business outcomes
• Challenge and improve existing processes to drive consistency and efficiency
• Support the development of others through coaching, training, and knowledge sharing

What you'll need

• Strong expertise in contract and supplier relationship management, with a proven track record in complex environments
• Solid understanding of contract law and commercial risk management
• Experience working within construction and/or operational environments, including supply chain and warranty management
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in cost analysis, programme evaluation, and negotiation of variations and compensation events
• Experience using contract management systems (CMS) and invoicing/payment platforms such as Coupa (or similar)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences, including senior leadership
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results both independently and as part of a team
• A proactive, collaborative approach with a focus on continuous improvement

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £55,208 - £65,809 per annum- dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

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More Information

This role closes on 19th August 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.