Commercial Operations Director - Central Government

Role: Commercial Operations Director REF 84291
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: Hybrid/London or York
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: Market Rate
Security Clearance: DBS

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

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

• Direct the implementation of suitable and robust commercial strategies for all Capex and Opex programmes, working closely with programme and procurement teams to identify optimal routes to market.
• Lead the management of post-contract activities for client to maintain adherence to agreed commercial frameworks and risk management practices.
• Lead the development and negotiation of bespoke commercial agreements with rail operators that support delivery of complex programmes.
• Maintain oversight of contract performance, monitoring supplier adherence to agreed KPIs and contractual obligations while upholding compliance with the Procurement Act’s provisions on contract modifications, ensuring transparency and justifiable changes.
• Monitor the application of agreed controls and audit regimes, to uphold compliance with client procedures, Group standards, and government audit requirements. Oversee Level 1 commercial assurance for commercial activities within client
• Provide assurance that AFCs, and budget/authority are accurately represented, with any variances clearly explained to senior stakeholders. Uphold adherence to value-for-money principles and public sector affordability constraints.
• Lead a structured change control process, guaranteeing that all contract modifications are legally compliant under the Procurement Act and provide value for money. Maintain clear documentation and justification for all contract variations, securing approvals through appropriate governance structures.
• Lead supplier performance management, overseeing commercial arrangements to drive continuous improvement and value delivery. Resolve disputes effectively, ensuring commercial interests are safeguarded while maintaining productive supplier relationships.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory authorities, and oversight committees. Provide transparent reporting on commercial activities, facilitating public accountability and scrutiny.
• Oversee the preparation of periodic and ad-hoc commercial reports, guaranteeing accuracy and timely submission to senior leadership and public oversight bodies. Monitor emerging commercial risks and trends, providing recommendations and implementing proactive solutions.
• Lead and develop the client commercial team, ensuring adequate resources, training, and professional development for commercial staff. Foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the commercial function.
• Champion initiatives to improve commercial management processes and procurement efficiency. Explore opportunities for innovation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making in commercial operations.

   

  SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RICS/CIPS) or equivalent relevant experience
• Educated to degree level
• Proven strong leadership skills,
• Demonstrable strong interpersonal skills, possessing the ability to interact credibly with people at all levels
• Successful significant experience of various standard forms of contract and their application and/or amendment to reflect particular contractual circumstances
• Successful significant experience in the commercial management of high value, complex contracting situations
• Able to demonstrate exceptional negotiating skills and successful experience in the negotiation and resolution of complex claims
• Relevant experience in the successful contract and procurement management of major programmes of work in the construction and/or rail industries
• Proven experience in and knowledge of contract law, contractual litigation and contractual dispute resolution
• Demonstrable strong commercial focus, articulate and financially astute with excellent numeracy and analytical skills

If you are a Commercial Operations Director, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!

We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable of which You will make you aware by means of either email, text or phone. In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us

Disability Confident

As a member of the disability confident scheme, the client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.