Senior Commercial Manager
At Severn Trent, we’re more than a water and waste company — we’re driving bold transformation through high-impact programmes that tackle complex challenges, from upgrading strategic systems to achieving our net zero carbon goals.
To support this ambition, our Procurement & Contract Management team are recruiting for a Senior Commercial Manager to lead the Technology portfolio – a critical part of Severn Trent’s ambitious AMP8 business plan.
It’s our people who truly set us apart. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, grow your skills, and make a real impact. Join our expanding team of passionate change professionals and help shape the future of Severn Trent.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
We’re looking for a Senior Commercial Manager to join our high-performing Procurement & Contract Management Team, a group of around 90 passionate professionals driving value, sustainability and resilience across our supply chains.
Based at the Severn Trent Centre, Coventry, this exciting role reports directly to the Head of Procurement & Contract Management and is responsible for delivering commercial excellence across Severn Trent’s Technology portfolio – with an annual spend of around £120 million.
You’ll lead a high-performing team of procurement and contract management professionals, working with major technology suppliers and partners to support key programmes such as our Cyber Protection upgrades, SAP S/4HANA transformation, Digital Twins, and Consolidated Data Platform. As well as managing an extremely busy portfolio of contract renewals and additional requests for Procurement & Contract Management support.
You’ll also play an important role as part of the Procurement & Contract Management leadership team, helping shape our long-term commercial strategy and embedding innovation across the business.
THE KEY DUTIES OF THE ROLE ARE:
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of procurement and contract management professionals to deliver commercial excellence.
- Define and execute sourcing and contract strategies that drive best value and compliance across the Technology portfolio.
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, leading negotiations and performance reviews at senior level.
- Oversee effective contract management – including change control, governance, and risk mitigation.
- Provide expert commercial advice, ensuring alignment with Severn Trent’s strategic goals and regulatory obligations.
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement while developing commercial capability across the wider business.
HOW WE WORK
You’ll join a caring and collaborative culture where teamwork, growth, and wellbeing are central to how we work. Our employee engagement scores are among the best in the industry – a reflection of how we support one another to succeed.
We value in-person collaboration to keep our culture alive but also recognise the benefits of flexibility. You’ll typically spend time in our Coventry office, with the option to work from home when it suits you and your team.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE
We’re looking for a commercially astute and motivated leader with proven experience managing complex, high-value contracts and inspiring high-performing teams.
Essential:
- 10+ years’ experience in Procurement and/or Contract Management.
- CIPS qualified (or equivalent).
- Proven success in managing large-scale technology or infrastructure contracts.
- Strong leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and analytical ability.
- Knowledge of contract law, procurement governance and regulations.
- Confident communicator at all levels, with strong presentation and influencing skills.
- Proficiency in SAP, ARIBA, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
Desirable:
- Experience within a regulated environment such as utilities, defence or infrastructure.
- Understanding of UCR16 Procurement Regulations and the Procurement Act 2023.
The right skills and experience are important. But if you have the right character, positivity and a caring attitude we want to talk to you, too. We’ll be looking for you to have knowledge of commercial and contract processes, we’ll want you to be comfortable and confident in negotiating, influencing and communicating as you will be dealing with various stakeholders, both internal and external.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent. We’ll reward you for it, too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.
With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite's perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:
- 31 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
- Annual bonus scheme (of up to 20% of base salary per annum based on company performance)
- Company car allowance
- Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
- Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
- Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
- Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
- Family friendly policies
- Two volunteering days per year
WHATS NEXT?
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We'll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.