Commercial Contract Manager

Commercial Manager
Location: London or Midlands
Role Purpose
The Commercial Manager is responsible for the day-to-day commercial management of a portfolio of long-term customer agreements relating to utility infrastructure services. The role ensures contractual obligations are fulfilled, commercial risks are effectively managed, and contract value is protected and enhanced throughout the contract lifecycle.
The role also leads the negotiation and implementation of new customer agreements to support network growth and business development opportunities. Working collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Business Development and Legal teams, the Commercial Manager acts as the primary commercial interface between the organisation and its customers, supporting the successful delivery and long-term performance of customer contracts.
The role reports to the Senior Commercial Manager, who retains responsibility for strategic commercial matters, major disputes and high-risk contractual issues.
Key Responsibilities
1. Manage the day-to-day commercial administration of a portfolio of long-term customer contracts and service agreements.
2. Maintain effective customer relationships and ensure contractual compliance across the contract portfolio.
3. Negotiate and implement new customer agreements to support business growth and service expansion.
4. Manage contractual variations, novations, notices, governance requirements and formal contractual correspondence.
5. Work closely with Operations, Finance, Business Development and Legal teams to ensure contractual commitments are delivered effectively.
6. Identify, assess and manage commercial and contractual risks, escalating significant issues where appropriate.
7. Support the ongoing commercial performance and long-term value of the contract portfolio.
8. Contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes, governance and contract management practices.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Effective identification, management and timely escalation of commercial and contractual risks.
* Protection of revenue through robust contract management and support for invoicing and revenue collection processes.
* Successful negotiation and implementation of new customer agreements and commercial opportunities.
* Development and maintenance of strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
* Delivery of accurate, timely and commercially sound advice, documentation and contractual correspondence.
* Effective cross-functional collaboration to support successful contract delivery.
* Timely resolution of contractual issues, customer enquiries and contract variations.
* Achievement of individual objectives and contribution to wider departmental and organisational performance.
Skills and Competencies
* Proven experience managing complex, high-value commercial contracts or long-term service agreements.
* Strong contract management and negotiation skills, including experience with amendments, variations and commercial negotiations.
* Demonstrated ability to identify, manage and resolve commercial and contractual risks.
* Strong commercial awareness with the ability to protect contract value, support revenue growth and identify improvement opportunities.
* Experience developing and maintaining effective customer and stakeholder relationships within a commercial environment.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports, contractual documentation and commercial recommendations.
* Experience within utilities, infrastructure, energy, engineering, facilities management or similarly regulated sectors would be advantageous but is not essential.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage multiple deadlines and work independently.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with experience using contract management or ERP systems desirable