Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA
Salary: £55,443 - £61,116 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Working Hours: 37hrs (7.4hrs 5 days a week)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 20th March 2026
Interview Date(s): 23rd - 27th March 2026
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference?
Do you want a job where no two days are the same?
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Specialist to join our Commissioning Support Unit and play a key leadership role in shaping how we commission, procure and manage high‑value, complex services across Capital | Infrastructure and Works categories.
As a member of the senior management team, you will lead a team of Commercial Specialists and Officers, embedding a rigorous, outcomes‑focused commercial approach that delivers value for money, manages risk effectively and achieves the best possible outcomes for local people.
This is a high‑profile role requiring strong commercial leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders, elected members, partners and suppliers.
Leading and managing the end‑to‑end commercial lifecycle including market engagement, sourcing strategies, tendering, contract award and ongoing contract and supplier relationship management.
Providing strategic category leadership, horizon scanning markets and identifying opportunities for innovation, collaboration and best practice.
Developing and delivering category strategies and prioritised work plans aligned to the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy and corporate objectives.
Identify, mitigate and manage commercial risk, delivering efficiencies, cost reductions and improved value for money.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
* Degree and/or equivalent relevant professional qualification (MCIPS) or relevant commercial/ procurement qualification or Demonstrable experience identified.
* Experience of leading, managing and motivating a team or multi-disciplinary team, ensuring appropriate resource utilisation and a positive performance culture.
* Knowledge of Key national policy drivers, legislation (including Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015)
* A proven track record of successfully engaging with a range of stakeholders partner bodies, building effective working relationships and promoting organisational reputation and interests.
* Experience of managing and delivering successfully a number of projects simultaneously.
* A proven track record of implementing a category management approach to sourcing activities.
* Ability to analyse complex problems, develop business models and options and undertake risk analysis.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:
Kay Springthorpe, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Telephone:
Email:
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we're looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what's on your CV. That's why we've designed a recruitment process that's fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.
If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we'd love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the 'About You' section above. Without this information, we won't be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal:
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
About Leicestershire County Council
At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.
Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.
For further information on what it's like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:
Our Recruitment Process
Our Organisational Values
Our Employee Benefits
Working for Us