Overview
We’re looking for a newly created Head of Commercial Enablement to join NGED at a pivotal moment for both the organisation and the UK energy system. This is a genuine opportunity to help re‑design and strengthen how commercial and contract management operates across NGED, positioning the organisation as a client of choice and a trusted, collaborative partner across the supply chain. Sitting at the forefront of NGED’s transformation journey, this role shapes how we deliver the electricity network of the future — supporting the transition to net zero while maintaining safety, resilience and reliability. You’ll lead the evolution of commercial enablement across Field Operations, ensuring supply chain capacity aligns with business need, delivering high‑performing managed services such as street works consents, and assuring delivery across safety, quality and performance.
With a strong focus on data, insight and continuous improvement, the Head of Commercial Enablement will drive greater transparency, consistency and confidence across commercial operations through enhanced reporting, effective governance and standardised processes. As a key member of the commercial leadership team, you’ll contribute to the development of NGED’s commercial strategy, planning and supply chain approach, working collaboratively with colleagues across National Grid to deliver long‑term value.
This role requires inclusive, confident and collaborative engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders and offers a rare opportunity to play a central role in transforming commercial and contract management at scale, directly influencing how NGED delivers for customers, communities and partners now and in the future. And because we know flexibility matters, this role offers a hybrid working approach—a mix of home and office working and you’ll also have the freedom to base yourself at any of our sites across the East Midlands, West Midlands, South West, or Wales, with travel to NGED locations 2–3 times a week.
Major Responsibilities
* Act as process owner for strategic commercial management processes within NGED, including custodianship of the process hierarchy, documentation repository and ongoing continuous improvement.
* Develop, maintain and oversee a robust governance framework for key supply chain contracts, enabling transparent, value‑for‑money delivery across operations.
* Own product direction and solution identification for technology improvements supporting commercial and work management processes.
* Lead commercial performance reporting, setting reporting requirements and cadence for NGED Executive, Commercial leadership and functional teams.
* Act as a conduit for safety learning between NGED and delivery partners, ensuring safety requirements are clearly communicated and embedded.
* Provide monitoring, assurance and learning related to delivery partner quality on site, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement.
* Partner with operational and functional teams to provide insight into performance trends and identify improvement opportunities, supporting effective supplier performance and relationship management.
* Own the commercial management competency framework, coordinating training and development to build capability across the organisation.
* Ensure the provision of an effective, high‑performing Streetworks service to Field Operations, meeting statutory obligations and improving compliance to minimise impact on customers and communities.
* Communicate clearly and effectively with NGED Executive and senior leaders, providing insight, assurance and recommendations to support decisions.
* Significant experience in commercial management, contract management or procurement, with a proven track record of transformation and continuous improvement.
* Experience working in, or the ability to quickly build understanding of, a regulated environment.
* Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, understand implications and plan effectively.
* Sound financial and P&L capability, with a commercial mindset focused on delivering value.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships internally and externally.
* Experience developing and leading high‑performing teams both directly and indirectly, with a genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and capability development.
* A confident and authentic leadership style, combining self‑assurance with humility, openness to feedback and a willingness to learn.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast‑moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.
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