Senior Commercial Manager - Finance - IT Services Firm

Finance- Senior Commercial Manager

About our Client:

- Our client serves as the operational backbone of a prominent UK-based venture builder. The UK Entity is renowned for their distinctive approach, they offer equity financing, strategic guidance, and incubation assistance to an array of ventures within their portfolio.

About the UK Venture Builder (UK):

- They redefine investment by infusing capital, knowledge, experience, ideas, and infrastructure. Their ventures spearhead digital disruption across sectors like FinTech, EdTech, GovTech, Media, Sport, and Charity.

About the IT Services Arm (India):

- Operating from India, their shared services arm extends pivotal support to the UK Venture Builder's portfolio. This Indian IT Services entity offers comprehensive assistance spanning tech support, customer experience, marketing, finance, accounting, and HR support. By harnessing their shared services team's expertise and resources, they drive the triumph of their portfolio ventures, exemplifying a truly integrated and impactful operational model.

The Role:

- The Senior Commercial Manager will play a pivotal role in leading commercial negotiations, vendor/supplier management, and driving cost optimization projects across the organization. Leadership, analytical prowess, and exceptional communication skills will be crucial in building and managing relationships with external customers and suppliers. You will lead cost optimization projects, demonstrate a proactive approach, and exhibit a shrewd business mindset to strike deals that generate substantial savings for the company.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and stakeholder management:

- Lead commercial negotiations with external stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers.

- Build and nurture relationships with key external customers and suppliers.

- Collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders to achieve business objectives.

Cost optimization projects:

- Drive cost optimization initiatives across the organization, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiencies.

- Lead projects aimed at optimizing costs and improving profitability.

- Take ownership of cost optimization projects worth GBP 250K, ensuring successful implementation and results.

Communication and documentation:

- Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills in commercial negotiations and contract management.

- Prepare comprehensive and precise commercial documents, bids, and proposals.

- Ensure professionalism and accuracy in all commercial instructions and documentation.

Analytical thinking and results orientation:

- Employ analytical and critical thinking to assess commercial opportunities and risks.

- Focus on delivering results and achieving targets in commercial negotiations and projects.

- Take a proactive approach in identifying and addressing commercial challenges and opportunities.

Vendor and Supplier Management:

- Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring adherence to contracts and agreements.

- Monitor vendor performance and address any issues or discrepancies.

- Negotiate favourable terms and conditions with vendors to optimize commercial outcomes.

- The ideal candidate will have a track-record in delivering results in a fast-moving business and hence be comfortable with change and uncertainty. Excellent stakeholder management experience is essential to being successful in this role.

Must Haves:

- 6-7+ years of experience in commercial negotiations, vendor/supplier management.

- Excellent English language skills, both oral and written, especially in commercial negotiation, contract management, and bidding documents.

- Strong leadership competencies with proven ability to lead and inspire teams.

- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking abilities.

- Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving targets and driving profitability.

- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.

- Experience in dealing with international stakeholders.

Nice to Have:

- Familiarity with cost optimization methodologies and tools.

- Prior experience in leading cost optimization projects.

Educational Qualifications: Master's degree in business or commercial discipline.