Senior Contract & Commercial Lead (Franchising)

An exciting opportunity has arisen with a large public sector transport organisation seeking an experienced commercial professional to lead the management of a complex portfolio of high-value franchise and operational contracts.The successful candidate will provide strategic commercial leadership, ensuring contractual compliance, supplier performance, financial control and the effective delivery of critical services across a major transport programme

• 2 year fixed-term contract paying up to £85,000 for the right candidate
• Based in Manchester, offering hybrid working and joining an exciting programme

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of large-scale service and franchise contracts.
• Develop and implement contract management strategies, governance arrangements and best practice frameworks.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, ensuring contractual obligations and performance standards are achieved.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contract variations and complex change activities.
• Monitor commercial performance, identifying opportunities to improve value for money and operational outcomes.
• Oversee financial management activities including budgeting, forecasting and commercial reporting.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks across the contract portfolio.
• Provide commercial advice and support to senior stakeholders and programme leadership teams.
• Support dispute resolution activities and ensure robust contract governance processes are maintained.
• Lead and develop commercial capability across the wider organisation.

• Significant experience managing complex, high-value contracts within a large and multifaceted organisation.
• Strong commercial and contract management background, including negotiation of major contractual arrangements.
• Proven experience managing supplier relationships and driving contract performance improvements.
• Experience of financial management, business planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Ability to operate at a senior level, influencing a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams and supporting organisational development initiatives.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within transport, infrastructure or wider public sector environments.
• Knowledge of commercial governance, contract law and contract dispute resolution.
• Understanding of public sector funding and governance arrangements.
• Experience supporting major transformation, operational or franchising programmes.