We have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Manager to join us on a fixed term contract for 6 months. The Commercial Manager will support the delivery of SYNLAB’s commercial strategy, acting as a key client-facing contact and helping to maintain strong contractual and financial governance. You’ll contribute to negotiations, support commercial risk management, and build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders. Core responsibilities include coordinating contractual discussions with legal colleagues, monitoring performance against KPIs, supporting contract variations, and helping to resolve issues. To succeed, you’ll bring solid experience with NHS and public sector contracts and the confidence to engage constructively in commercial discussions.
Location:
Hybrid working with regular working days at the London Head office (3 days per week).
Duties include:
In this role, you will shape SYNLAB’s strategic direction for client engagement, acting as a key representative within the commercial management team and leading high‑level, client‑facing discussions. You will take ownership of contractual negotiations alongside legal partners, ensuring all commercial and contractual matters are fully understood across operational teams. With a strong focus on risk management, you’ll assess commercial risks linked to onsite activities and projects, balancing risk versus reward and implementing robust mitigation strategies. You will drive commercial strategy aligned to organisational goals, safeguard SYNLAB’s commercial and contractual integrity, and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
The role requires a confident negotiator with proven success in resolving complex discussions, interpreting legal documents, and navigating NHS and public sector contracts. You will evaluate performance against contractual KPIs, develop mitigation plans, identify misalignments between service delivery and contract requirements, and prepare contract variations where needed. Working closely with legal and commercial colleagues, you’ll ensure that all contractual amendments and schedule changes are appropriate, workable, and protect SYNLAB’s interests. You will also manage disputes effectively and respond to formal correspondence on behalf of SYNLAB.
Essential Skills and Experience
Essential:
* Proven experience in commercial management within healthcare or public sector environments.
* Qualified professional (Accountant or Lawyer) with a minimum of 5 years PQE in a commercial management role.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills, preferably with PFI experience.
* Ability to interpret complex legal and contractual documentation, with a strong understanding of NHS/public sector contracts and risk.
* Skilled in managing disputes and contractual variations.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to engage with senior managers and directors.
* Commercially and financially astute with excellent literacy and numerical skills.
* Strategic thinker with strong risk assessment and mitigation capabilities.
Desirable:
* Able to work independently, flexibly, and professionally while building strong relationships.
* Self-motivated, adaptable to changing priorities, and confident under pressure with a sense of urgency.
* Demonstrates logical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
About Us
SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services.
We thrive in diverse environments, which is mirrored in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities, and partners. We believe that an inclusive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talented individuals, and for building a sustainable, high-performing workforce.
Our staff are crucial to our mission of making a positive impact on healthcare. We foster a culture of continuous personal development, providing scientists and staff with the support and resources needed to acquire new skills and advance their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching, and clear career pathways.
We encourage an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models, facilitate two-way communication, engage transparently with staff and stakeholders, and actively seek feedback and suggestions.
Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.
SYNLAB UK & Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate based on any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law.