Commercial Manager

GAD is strengthening its commercial capability and is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join its Commercial team. Working with the Head of Commercial & Contract Management and colleagues across the department, you will provide practical commercial support from the earliest identification of a need through procurement, award, mobilisation, contract management and exit or renewal.

You will lead and support procurement activity, translate business needs into clear sourcing approaches, provide advice on governance and compliance, and help GAD secure value for money while managing commercial, delivery and supplier risk. You will help to maintain the departments commercial pipeline and contract records, support effective supplier and contract management, and build commercial capability across GAD.

This is a varied role with significant cross-functional contact. It suits someone who can combine sound commercial judgement with organised delivery, clear communication and a strong understanding of public spending rules.

• Enable colleagues across GAD to obtain goods and services through compliant, proportionate and well-evidenced commercial routes.
• Deliver procurement activity that supports business outcomes, value for money, fairness, transparency and effective risk management.
• Improve visibility and control of GADs commercial pipeline, contracts, obligations, approvals and key dates.
• Support the business to establish contracts for successful delivery, with clear ownership, performance measures, governance and escalation routes.
• Build commercial awareness and confidence across GAD through advice, guidance, training and knowledge sharing.

Commercial advice and business partnering

Provide clear, proportionate commercial advice to teams across GAD, challenging requirements and supporting early planning.

Help stakeholders define outcomes, whole-life value, affordability, timescales, dependencies and commercial risks.

Escalate novel, contentious, high-risk or legally complex matters where specialist input is required.

Procurement and sourcing

Lead procurement activity from planning and market engagement through tender, evaluation, award and handover.

Support robust business cases, outcome-focused requirements, sourcing strategies and evaluation approaches.

Analyse markets and suppliers, identify suitable frameworks or routes to market, and recommend options that deliver value for money.

Draft and quality-assure procurement and contract documentation, facilitate evaluation and moderation, and support negotiations and award recommendations.

Governance, assurance and compliance

Ensure activity complies with procurement legislation, government policy, GAD guidance, financial controls, delegations and transparency requirements.

Advise on approval routes and maintain clear, proportionate and auditable records of decisions, evaluations and approvals.

Identify commercial risks or control weaknesses, recommend mitigation and escalate concerns promptly.

Contract and supplier management

Ensure effective handover and mobilisation, with clear ownership, governance, performance measures, risks and escalation routes.

Support contract managers with supplier performance, KPIs, risks, relationships, benefits and record keeping.

Advise on variations, extensions, disputes, underperformance, renewal and exit before commitments are made.

Lead day-to-day commercial oversight of GADs building services contracts and escalate property-service issues where necessary.

Commercial information and planning

Maintain the commercial pipeline, contract register and supporting records, including owners, approvals, risks and key dates.

Use commercial information to identify upcoming procurements, renewals, expiries and opportunities for savings or improved outcomes.

Provide concise reporting on procurement progress, contract coverage, supplier performance, risks and actions.

Capability and improvement

Support commercial training, guidance, templates and coaching for business owners, evaluators and contract managers.

Share knowledge, improve ways of working and maintain continuing professional development.