Job Description: Commercial Lead Position Overview: The Commercial Lead role offers an exciting opportunity to drive transformational change and commercial excellence within a dynamic and politically challenging environment. This pivotal position requires an exceptional leader with expertise in contractual due diligence and supplier relationship management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping strategic partnerships, optimising contract performance, and safeguarding the organisation’s commercial interests, ensuring value creation and long-term sustainability. Key Responsibilities: Contractual Leadership and Supplier Management Lead the negotiation, management, and optimisation of high-value contracts with critical suppliers and service providers, ensuring robust contractual due diligence processes to mitigate risks and maximise financial and operational outcomes. Develop strategies to enhance contract compliance, protect commercial interests, and drive continuous improvement. Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key suppliers to align with organisationalobjectives, fostering performance-driven relationships that enhance service delivery and mutual value. Implement supplier performance management frameworks using KPIs and SLAs to drive accountability and service excellence. Strategic Value Creation and Stakeholder Engagement Develop and implementinnovative commercial strategies aligned with business goals to deliver measurable impact. Inspire and lead a high-performing commercial team, driving operational efficiencies and sustainable cost management. Identify process improvement and value creation opportunities within procurement, fleet operations, and asset management. Navigate complex relationships with regulatory authorities, and industry partners, balancing political sensitivities with sound commercial judgement to influence decision-making and support organisational transformation. Represent the organisation in high-level negotiations and industry forums to advance strategic initiatives. Legal and Compliance Oversight Ensure adherence to all relevant legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Provide expert guidance on contract management and procurement-related legal matters, supporting executive leadership in riskmitigation and strategic planning. Key Competencies: Expertise in contractual due diligence, negotiation, and management, ideally within regulated or complex sectors. Proven track record of supplier relationship management and delivering value-driven partnerships. Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience in high-value, multi-provider frameworks. Exceptional leadership capabilities with a talent for building and motivating high-performing teams. Analytical mindset focused on performance measurement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Outstanding communication and engagement skills, with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders and navigate political complexities. Experience and Qualifications: 10+ years of commercial experience in asset commercial management, engineering services, leasing, fleet, OPEX, and aftermarket agreements. Proven track recordin commercial contract leadership and managing high-value, complex, strategic partnerships. Expertise in contractual due diligence, negotiation, and management, ideally within regulated or complex sectors. Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience in high-value, multi-provider frameworks. Exceptional leadership capabilities with a talent for building and motivating high-performing teams. Analytical mindset focused on performance measurement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Outstanding communication and engagement skills, with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders and navigate political complexities. Preferred Qualifications: Degree in Business, Law, Engineering, or related field. Professional certifications in contract management, procurement, or supply chain (e.g., CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC). Advanced qualifications in commercial strategy or leadership (e.g., MBA). Remuneration: £100,000 - £110,000 per annum plus package, including bonus, pension, and additional benefits. Location: Based in the North of England, (Leeds, Manchester) with flexibility for travel as required.