SVP Commercial Operations

NielsenIQ; Oxford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading market research firm in Oxford is seeking an experienced SVP of Commercial Operations. This role involves leading the transformation of commercial operations, overseeing contract governance, and ensuring operational excellence. Candidates should have 15+ years' experience in related fields and strong skills in data analysis and leadership. The position offers a full-time opportunity with competitive benefits and a focus on inclusive workplace values.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning

Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant work experience in sales operations, commercial excellence, or transformation.
• Demonstrated history of designing and implementing initiatives for commercial and sales excellence.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the transformation roadmap for commercial operations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to streamline order processes.
• Oversee global contract governance and ensure compliance.
• Direct global order management operations to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

Software tools for data analysis

Job description

About the job

The SVP, Commercial Operations is responsible for defining and executing the transformation roadmap for commercial operations, aligning with sales, legal, and finance to support the commercial strategy while ensuring strong governance and compliance. This role involves leading cross-functional initiatives to streamline processes, integrating platforms, data, and workflows. The SVP oversees global contract governance, collaborates with various teams to optimize contractual practices and directs global order management operations. Additionally, the SVP drives continuous improvement through data‑driven insights, automation, and simplification. The role requires building and leading high‑performing teams across contract and order management.

Your future responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Define and execute the transformation roadmap for commercial operations, aligning with sales, legal & finance to support the commercial strategy whilst ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• Lead/Partner on cross‑functional initiatives to streamline the lead‑to‑order and order‑to‑cash processes, integrating platforms, data, and workflows.
• Partner with senior leadership across Sales, Finance, Legal, and Technology to drive adoption of new operating models, controls, processes and systems.
• Play a key role in defining and executing our renewals transformation program from contract standardisation to defining roadmap to enable auto renewals.

Contract Administration

• Oversee global contract governance, including service descriptions, templates, and compliance with audit requirements.
• Collaborate with pricing, deal desk, finance and legal teams to optimise contractual practices and reduce cycle times.
• Lead & develop the team responsible for contract lifecycle management, drafting, reviewing & amending (non legal terms) client contracts.
• Drive more global standardisation in contracting including the role of contract administration.

Order Management

• Direct global order management operations, ensuring accurate client setup, billing, and renewal processing.
• Resolve revenue blocks and streamline workflows to enable timely revenue recognition and cash flow.
• Implement automation and simplification initiatives to improve order accuracy and reduce manual effort.
• Partner with enablement to ensure we increase right first time where knowledge or process gaps exist in the commercial organisation.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement through data‑driven insights, automation, and simplification.
• Establish and operationalise a rhythm of business for commercial operations, including performance metrics, governance, and reporting.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams across contract and order management.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in rigorous discipline; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant and demonstrated work experience within sales operations, commercial excellence, transformation, consumer products, retail and/or information services.
• Demonstrated history of effectively designing and implementing initiatives enabling commercial and sales excellence.
• Proficient in data analysis and the use of relevant software tools.
• Robust analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Capability to mobilise plans around key workstreams and drive change in a strategic manner.

What we offer

• An exciting job in a globally active company.
• Mentoring: You can expect intensive support and qualified feedback from one of our mentors during your induction.
• Training: A comprehensive training programme within our Global Client Delivery Academy and a variety of other training options in our comprehensive learning portal.
• Work‑life balance: Working time account, flexible working hours and hybrid working.
• Further development: Excellent growth and career opportunities at local & international level.
• Togetherness: Working together in a dynamic, global environment characterised by team spirit and an appreciative atmosphere.
• A high degree of responsibility with the market leader in the industry with one of the largest product portfolios.
• Flat hierarchies, an open corporate culture and a very pleasant working atmosphere.
• Modern office in a central location with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure.

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment.
• Volunteer time off.
• LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee‑Assistance‑Program (EAP).

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behaviour and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state‑of‑the‑art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

General Business

Industries

Market Research

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