Commercial Manager (Professional Services)

About us

United Utilities is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Commercial Manager to lead our Professional Services category within Capital Delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in one of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes, helping shape commercial strategies, influencing senior stakeholders, and delivering value through our extensive professional services supply chain.

As a trusted advisor to senior business leaders, you'll combine strategic thinking with commercial delivery, ensuring robust governance, effective supplier relationships and strong contract management across a portfolio of professional services contracts. You'll also lead and develop a team of commercial professionals, building capability and driving high performance.

About the Role

In this role, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that align with business priorities, market dynamics and future programme requirements. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation to influence sourcing decisions, manage commercial risk, and ensure value for money throughout the contract lifecycle.

You'll oversee a portfolio of professional services suppliers, driving supplier performance, strengthening relationships and ensuring contracts deliver the intended business outcomes. You'll also play a key role in leading commercial projects, managing complex negotiations, and supporting the continued evolution of our commercial function

What you'll be doing

Category Strategy & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and stakeholder priorities.
• Provide market insight and intelligence to support strategic decision-making.
• Influence senior stakeholders on sourcing approaches, specifications and commercial decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve value, reduce risk and enhance supplier performance.

Sourcing, Contracting & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that achieve best value and support long-term business goals.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and contract development activities.
• Manage supplier and contract performance throughout the lifecycle, ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and value creation across the Professional Services portfolio.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior leaders across Capital Delivery.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to support collaboration and delivery.
• Balance competing priorities and influence outcomes across multiple business functions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach and develop a team of commercial specialists.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Allocate resources effectively to support evolving business priorities and workloads.

What We're Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in commercial, procurement, category management or contract management roles.
• Demonstrable experience delivering category strategies and implementing commercial change across complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practice, sourcing methodologies and category management principles.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships and driving contract performance.
• Knowledge and practical experience of NEC contracts (or similar construction contract forms), including negotiation and commercial management.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective relationships across multiple business functions.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Experience leading and developing teams to deliver business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (preferred).
• Relevant professional qualification such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc (preferred).

Desirable

• Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques and methodologies.

What's In It For You?

We know great commercial professionals create significant value, so we offer a package that recognises your expertise and impact.

Reward Package

• 26–30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution.
• £5,000 annual car allowance.
• Up to 20% performance bonus.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Retail, lifestyle and leisure discounts.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.

Why United Utilities?

Every day, our work supports millions of customers across the North West. The decisions made within our Commercial function directly influence how we invest, innovate, and deliver critical services for the future.

This is an opportunity to join a business where your expertise will shape major investment programmes, influence senior decision-makers, and leave a lasting impact on both the organisation and the communities we serve.

If you're an ambitious commercial leader ready to influence strategy, lead talented teams, and drive value across a critical supplier portfolio, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of capital delivery at United Utilities.