Commercial Manager

Make a Meaningful Impact – Join Us as a Commercial Manager.

Are you a seasoned procurement professional ready to hit the ground running? We’re looking for a dynamic and results-oriented Procurement Manager to join our team on a 4 to 6-month fixed-term contract, with an immediate start.

This is more than just a procurement role,it’s your chance to play a pivotal role in a high-stakes, high-visibility bid process. Your expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier engagement, contract negotiation, and navigating public sector procurement regulations will directly influence LGC’s ability to secure a critical opportunity.

About Us

The Grant Management Group (GMG) at LGC exists to deliver high-quality, transparent, and efficient management of public research funding. We are committed to supporting the Department of Health and Social Care and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) by ensuring that research grants are administered effectively, enabling world-class research that improves health outcomes, drives innovation, and delivers value for the public.

Job Description

This key role will support the successful delivery of a major public sector tender submission, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure all procurement elements meet the required standards and deadlines.

Tasks required included:

• Supplier management; providing a single point of contact for all commercial and financial discussions
• Supporting commercial lead with pricing discussions and working with internal proposal leads and subject matter experts to ensure that supplier offers meet technical requirements and offer good value for money
• Ensure suppliers are compliant with LGC’s supply chain requirements and any additional requirements specified by the customer
• Lead on negotiating appropriate subcontract agreements, with support from central legal team, including ensuring appropriate flow down of main contract terms to key subcontractors and other bespoke suppliers

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience managing or supporting large-scale public sector tenders, ideally in health, research, or government-funded services
• Strong understanding of public procurement regulations (e.g. UK Public Contracts Regulations 2015, or Find a Tender Service (FTS) process)
• Experience drafting and reviewing tender documents, including Invitation to Tender (ITT), pricing schedules, and evaluation criteria
• Track record of supporting complex bid submissions within tight deadlines
• Experience in supplier engagement, tender clarifications, and managing communications during the procurement lifecycle
• Familiarity with contract management frameworks (e.g. NEC, CCS, NHS frameworks) and related risk/compliance issues
• Working knowledge of value for money (VfM) assessments and public sector procurement scoring methodologies
• Proficiency in managing procurement timelines and coordinating input from internal teams and external partners

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with health or research sector tenders (e.g. NIHR, NHS, DHSC-funded programmes)
• Familiarity with grant funding, commissioning, or intellectual property considerations in research or innovation contexts

Qualifications:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
• CIPS Level 4 (or higher) or working towards MCIPS
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM) is advantageous

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and document control
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and coordinate cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement tools (e.g. Jaggaer, Delta, Atamis)

Additional information

Salary & Benefits

£51,300 + per year

Bonus - subject to company performance

25 days annual leave, plus public holidays (UK)

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Life Insurance

Benenden Healthcare

Please note: This is a fixed-term hybrid role based in our Twickenham office, lasting 4 to 6 months. Employees are expected to work on-site at least one day per week.

Application Process

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR.