Commercial Manager – Group Procurement
Location: York, YO90 1WR (50% onsite / 50% remote)
About the Role
We are seeking a Commercial Manager to join Direct Line's Group Procurement team. This role plays a key part in delivering outstanding value and performance from our supply partners, while ensuring effective risk management and strong governance.
You will work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage the full commercial lifecycle of contracts, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and cost efficiency, while ensuring excellent service outcomes for our customers.
Purpose of the Role
The Commercial Manager is responsible for maximising value from supplier relationships across a portfolio of material and non-material outsourced services. You will ensure contracts deliver against expectations, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the development of long-term category strategies aligned to Direct Line's Group’s business goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a portfolio of material and non-material outsourced suppliers
* Liaise effectively with internal operational and business stakeholders
* Support ad-hoc sourcing activities in line with business needs
* Conduct contract and supplier performance reviews
* Manage negotiations, service improvements, and remediation plans
* Track and challenge supplier performance against SLAs and KPIs
* Identify and realise cost savings, rebates, and service credits
* Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and governance standards
* Monitor supplier risks and ensure appropriate mitigation actions are in place
* Support supplier innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
* Manage contract change processes and commercial adjustments
Key Accountabilities
* Develop long-term, value-driven category and supplier relationship strategies
* Contribute to Procurement & Supply Chain (P&SC) strategy development and delivery
* Create and deliver annual category plans with key business stakeholders
* Maintain minimum standards for commercial and contract management
* Lead supplier performance management, including operational and strategic reviews
* Identify emerging risks and ensure timely resolution through internal systems
* Support business continuity through supplier contingency and exit planning
* Deliver measurable benefits including cost reduction, efficiency gains, and service improvements
* Enable new customer propositions through supplier collaboration and innovation
About You
You will bring strong commercial acumen, excellent stakeholder management skills, and experience in supplier or contract management within a complex organisation. You are confident challenging suppliers, identifying value opportunities, and driving performance improvements.