We are seeking an experienced Commercial Operations and Project Lead to join our Digital Services team at an exciting time of change and transformation. The Council has a broad and growing portfolio of digital initiatives, spanning core infrastructure, corporate systems, customer-facing platforms, and data-led service improvements.
This is a key commercial role, with a strong focus on Digital (IT) contracts. You will lead the procurement and management of technology agreements across the Council, ensuring robust governance, compliance with public sector procurement regulations, and demonstrable value for money throughout the contract lifecycle. The role requires familiarity with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Digital frameworks and the ability to apply compliant procurement routes effectively.
You will play a critical role in shaping and managing relationships with major technology suppliers, supporting complex digital projects from a commercial and contractual perspective. Through effective contract management, procurement activity, and supplier assurance, you will support delivery of the Council’s Digital, Data and AI strategy. ensuring that all digital initiatives are commercially sound, well governed, and aligned to strategic outcomes.
About the Role
As Commercial Operations and Project Lead, you will:
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Lead and manage Digital Services project contracts across the Council.
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Work closely with commissioners, project managers, procurement, legal and finance teams to deliver compliant, valuedriven contracts.
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Maintain the Digital Services contract register, renewal pipeline, and supplier engagement calendar.
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Act as a commercial lead for supplier performance management, including KPIs, SLAs and service reviews.
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Identify, escalate and manage contractual and supplier risks.
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Support digital project procurement strategies from early project stages through to contract closure.
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Ensure the Council is protected against supplier underperformance and commercial risk.
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Advise senior stakeholders, including Directors and elected members, on digital contract and procurement matters.
This is a highimpact role with significant influence across Digital Services and the wider organisation.
About You
You will bring:
Essential experience and skills
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Significant experience managing IT/digital contracts within a public sector environment.
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Strong knowledge of UK public sector procurement, including PCR 2015 / PA23.
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Proven experience of running tenders, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance.
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Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
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Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and attention to detail.
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Experience maintaining contract and supplier registers and managing renewal cycles.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
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Professional qualification in Procurement, Commercial, IT or Finance (e.g. MCIPS, CIPFA).
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Experience of cloud service contracts and digital licensing models.
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Experience using Atamis or similar contract management systems.
Why Join Us?
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Work on highprofile digital projects that directly support public services.
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Influence major technology and commercial decisions across the organisation.
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Be part of a collaborative, valuesdriven Digital Services team.
Additional Information
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This role requires a minimum of 2 days onsite at the Civic Centre.
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Occasional outofhours working and oncall availability may be required.
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Appointment is subject to satisfactory preemployment checks.
Contact Details -
If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Maryam Moussavi Digital Services Commercial Manager - [email protected]
If you have any difficulties accessing this information, please contact Rebecca Spyrou at [email protected]
