Commercial Manager – Prison Contracts
Mitie Care & Custody is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial governance of the Millsike Prison Contract and support other prison contracts across the justice portfolio.
Reporting to: Head of Commercial – Immigration & Justice.
This role has end‑to‑end responsibility for commercial delivery across the contract lifecycle, with a strong focus on mobilisation, transition into service, and steady‑state performance. You will ensure contracts are mobilised effectively, managed compliantly, and deliver against financial and performance targets. Actively supporting operational, finance, legal and mobilisation teams, you will ensure commercial readiness, risk management and compliance from day one.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead commercial governance for the Millsike Prison Contract and wider prison portfolio.
* Act as the primary commercial contact, supporting operational teams to deliver compliant, sustainable and profitable contracts.
* Play a lead commercial role in contract mobilisation, ensuring all commercial and financial arrangements are in place at service commencement.
* Establish and embed effective commercial processes, controls and governance frameworks.
* Manage the full contract lifecycle, including contract interpretation, variations, change control and performance mechanisms.
* Monitor KPI, payment mechanisms and service credits, supporting challenge and resolution where required.
* Support financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting, including mobilisation costs and risks.
* Identify, manage and escalate commercial and contractual risks in line with governance requirements.
* Lead or support commercial input into negotiations, claims and disputes.
* Build strong relationships with operational leaders, finance, legal teams and external stakeholders.
* Provide clear pragmatic commercial advice to senior management.
* Deliver guidance and training to operational teams to strengthen commercial understanding and compliance.
About You
* Proven experience managing complex contracts, ideally within prison, justice, immigration or wider public sector environments.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to manage risk and optimise performance.
* Confident working closely with operational teams in a regulated environment.
* Able to interpret complex contractual and financial information and provide practical solutions.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Organised, disciplined and comfortable working in a high‑accountability setting.
Additional Information
* Applicants must have resided in the UK for the past five years and have the right to work in the UK.
* The role requires Enhanced DBS and CTC clearance.
* This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Additional Benefits
* Ongoing development and career progression opportunities.
* Supportive and inclusive team environment.
* Health and wellbeing support services.
* 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
* Free onsite parking, including EV charging points.
* Free access to onsite gym facilities.
* Free meals during shifts from a subsidised staff canteen.
* Eligibility for a Blue Light Discount Card.
Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition and need reasonable adjustments, please let us know by emailing Karen Hayes at Karen.hayes@mitie.com.
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