Commercial Manager - Central Government

Role: Commercial Manager REF 107359
Contract Length: Until 31/03/2027
Location: Hybrid/Manchester, Newcastle or Blackpool – 60% in office
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £650 per day
Security Clearance: BPSS

About the Role

Spinwell is recruiting for a Commercial Manager for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy for complex software and technology procurements, renewals and contract negotiations.
• Develop sourcing strategies, route-to-market approaches and commercial recommendations that deliver value for money and support organisational objectives.
• Manage end-to-end procurement activities from business case development and market engagement through to contract award and implementation.
• Create and maintain competitive tension within supplier negotiations to secure optimal commercial outcomes.
• Draft and manage procurement documentation, tender materials, commercial models, evaluation criteria and contract schedules.
• Analyse supplier proposals, pricing structures, licensing models and commercial responses to support robust decision-making.
• Provide commercial leadership and advice on enterprise software licensing, subscriptions, support arrangements and consumption-based commercial models.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Digital, Technology, Finance, Procurement and IT Asset Management functions.

  Essential Skills and Experience

• Extensive public sector commercial and procurement experience gained within a large, complex organisation, government department, arm's-length body or regulated environment.
• Proven experience leading high-value, strategically important software, technology and digital procurements from inception through to contract award.
• Strong commercial expertise across enterprise software markets, including major vendors such as Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Informatica and Flexera.
• Deep understanding of software licensing models, SaaS and cloud-based services, subscription agreements, software support arrangements and enterprise renewals.
• Demonstrable experience developing sourcing strategies, route-to-market approaches and negotiation strategies that deliver value for money and strong commercial outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement governance, commercial best practice and procurement lifecycle management.
• Significant experience leading competitive tendering exercises, supplier negotiations, commercial evaluations and contract awards.
• Proven ability to analyse complex commercial proposals, assess risk and negotiate favourable contractual and financial outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior leaders, Digital, Technology, Finance, ITAM and supplier organisations.
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance business requirements, affordability, risk and long-term strategic objectives.
• Highly organised, analytical and capable of managing multiple priorities within fast-paced and complex environments.
• Strong communication, presentation and report-writing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and provide robust commercial advice.
• Self-motivated and delivery-focused, with the ability to work independently, take ownership and drive procurements through to successful completion

  Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting large-scale digital transformation programmes, enterprise technology initiatives and complex software renewals.
• Knowledge of Software Asset Management (SAM), IT Asset Management (ITAM), cloud procurement frameworks and digital sourcing strategies.
• Experience working with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks, government procurement routes and large public sector organisations.
• MCIPS qualified (or equivalent) with an understanding of technology architecture, supplier relationship management and category management best practice.

Disability Confident Scheme

The client supports the Disability Confident Scheme and is committed to providing fair and inclusive recruitment opportunities. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role may be eligible for an interview under the scheme. Where application volumes are particularly high, the client may shortlist those candidates who best meet the role requirements.

Armed Forces Covenant

The client supports the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to helping veterans and military spouses or partners access employment opportunities. Eligible veterans and spouses or partners of Armed Forces personnel who meet the minimum essential criteria may qualify for an interview under the client’s applicable recruitment scheme. Where application volumes are particularly high, shortlisting may be necessary.

How to Apply Under These Schemes

If you believe you qualify under either scheme, please inform your Spinwell recruitment consultant when applying and quote the relevant vacancy reference. We will explain the applicable process and confirm your request with the client.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, or would prefer an alternative or more accessible method of communication, please let us know. We will work with you and the client to accommodate your needs wherever reasonably possible.

Candidate Privacy Notice

By applying for this vacancy, you acknowledge that Spinwell Global Limited will process your personal information for recruitment purposes and may contact you about other suitable opportunities. Your details may be retained for up to 24 months from your last meaningful interaction with us, in accordance with our Recruitment & Website Privacy Notice, available at www.spinwellglobal.com.