16 weeks contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Senior Commercial Lead will provide expert commercial leadership across high‑value, high‑risk contracts and programmes for Somerset Council. • The role is responsible for shaping commercial strategies, leading complex negotiations, and ensuring robust governance to deliver value for money and high‑quality services for Somerset’s communities. • Working collaboratively with procurement, legal, finance and wider stakeholders, the postholder will support the full commercial lifecycle from options appraisal to in‑life contract management. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead and support commercial strategies across a portfolio of contracts and programmes, from early options appraisal through to ongoing management. • Provide senior-level commercial advice on delivery models, contract terms, risk allocation, dispute handling and value-for-money considerations. • Lead commercial negotiations, support contract drafting, oversee finalisation and ensure effective mobilisation. • Strengthen contract performance, governance frameworks, reporting, and change control processes. • Support and guide contract recovery plans where performance requires improvement. • Coach, mentor and advise colleagues to enhance commercial and contract management capability across the organisation. • Influence stakeholders effectively in a matrix environment, without formal line management responsibility. Skills/Experience: • Extensive experience of commercial and contract management in a complex organisation. • Strong background in supplier relationship and performance management. • Proven track record of leading complex commercial negotiations. • Experience supporting contract drafting, mobilisation and commercial risk management. • Strong understanding of governance, risk, value for money, assurance and performance frameworks. • Confident working with senior stakeholders and influencing without direct authority. • Ongoing professional development demonstrated; degree or relevant qualification desirable. • Full right to work in the UK and ability to meet compliance requirements (DBS, driving licence, references, confidentiality agreement, etc.). Additional Information: • Bi-Weekly Payments. • Duration: 16 weeks. • Hours: 37 per week. • Work Pattern: 2 days per week in the office (Taunton). • Rates: Ltd/Umbrella: £263.30 per day. • Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY.