Lead Commercial Manager

Contract type: Permanent Hours: 37.5 / week Salary: circa £80,000 depending on experience Location: Leeds WFH policy: Employees are required to attend the office 2 days/week Flexible working : Variety of flexible work patterns subject to line manager discretion e.g. Compressed 9-day fortnight. Reports to: Head of Commercial Development Deadline Note: We reserve the right to close the advert before the advertised deadline if there are a high volume of applications. Role Summary: The Lead Commercial Manager (LCM) leads a high-performing commercial team responsible for supporting the development and management of low-carbon energy schemes that contribute to UK energy security and net zero objectives. Unlike a traditional commercial role, success is measured through maintaining investor confidence and minimising costs to consumers while enabling delivery of low-carbon infrastructure. The role combines leadership, commercial advisory and account management responsibilities across the full contract lifecycle. Depending on business requirements, the LCM may focus predominantly on either: Contract Development: supporting government departments in the design and development of new low-carbon energy schemes and contracts. Contract Management: leading the management of operational contracts and maintaining effective relationships with counterparties and government stakeholders. The LCM provides leadership across commercial delivery, contract governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement. They manage a team of Commercial Managers and Contract Managers, contribute to Scheme Delivery leadership, and work closely with government departments, counterparties, legal advisers and internal stakeholders. The role spans multiple schemes including CfD, Hydrogen, CCUS and future low-carbon programmes, supporting projects from policy development through contract execution and operation. Key Responsibilities Commercial Leadership and Delivery Lead commercial activities across contract development and/or contract management workstreams. Ensure contracts and schemes are developed, implemented and managed in line with commercial, governance and policy requirements. Provide expert advice on commercial structures, risk allocation, contractual mechanisms and scheme implementation. Maintain continuity between contract development and operational delivery, ensuring schemes are practical, deliverable and operationally sustainable. Contract Development and Government Advisory Lead or support commercial advisory work for new and first-of-a-kind energy schemes. Provide advice to government departments on business models, contractual frameworks, payment mechanisms and risk allocation. Work collaboratively with legal, technical and policy advisers to develop robust and implementable contractual arrangements. Support negotiations, commercial decision-making and governance approvals throughout scheme development. Contract and Account Management Act as senior account manager for allocated contract portfolios. Oversee the management of complex contractual issues including variations, disputes, change events and compliance matters. Build and maintain effective relationships with counterparties and government stakeholders. Ensure contractual obligations are managed consistently and commercially throughout the contract lifecycle. Governance, Risk and Reporting & Insights Ensure governance, delegated authority and approval processes are followed. Identify and manage commercial, contractual and delivery risks, escalating issues where appropriate. Provide clear reporting, analysis and briefings for senior management and governance forums. Maintain oversight of portfolio budgets and expenditure. Understand developments across the energy industry, landscape, and relevant technologies, and translate complex information about trends and key facts into clear insights. Provide clear, concise and timely briefings to senior stakeholders on portfolio performance, risks and emerging issues. Maintain awareness of potential changes to government policy or guidance, and work with colleagues across the business to interpret them and the implications for the schemes and contracts. Stakeholder Management Develop trusted relationships with government departments, counterparties, industry stakeholders and advisers. Represent LCCC in meetings, industry events and site visits. Promote collaboration across internal teams including Legal, Finance, Operations, Policy and Data & Analytics. People Leadership Lead, develop and support a high-performing team. Manage performance, development, recruitment and succession planning. Ensure workloads, priorities and resources are effectively managed across the team. Promote knowledge sharing and build commercial capability across the wider organisation. Continuous Improvement. Contribute to the development of contract management frameworks, processes, systems and guidance. Support wider Scheme Delivery and corporate initiatives. Drive improvements that enhance efficiency, governance and stakeholder outcomes. Skills Knowledge and Expertise Essential Significant experience in commercial advisory, contract development or contract management within energy, infrastructure or the public sector. Skilled in leading and developing teams. Experience managing complex commercial contracts and stakeholder relationships. Strong understanding of commercial risk, negotiation, dispute resolution and contract administration. Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders. Experience interpreting contractual, legal and regulatory requirements. Desirable Experience developing commercial frameworks or contracts from first principles. Knowledge of UK energy policy, regulatory frameworks and low-carbon support schemes. Government or public sector advisory experience. Relevant experience in power generation, wider energy sector or hydrogen and/or CCUS schemes. Experience working with cross functional teams such as legal and/or technical advisers. Knowledge of Contracts for Difference (CfD), Hydrogen, CCUS or similar infrastructure support mechanisms. Project finance or large-scale infrastructure experience. Project management experience. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must possess an independent, pre-existing right to work in the UK at the time of application. Employee Benefits As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. Key benefits that may be available depending on the role include: Annual performance based bonus, up to 10% 25 days annual leave, plus eight bank holidays Up to 8% pension contribution Financial support and time off for study relevant to your role, plus a professional membership subscription Employee referral scheme (up to £1500), and colleague recognition scheme Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave and shared parental leave Free, confidential employee assistance, including financial management, family care, mental health, and on-call GP service Three paid volunteering days a year Season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes Family savings on days out and English Heritage, gym discounts, cash back and discounts at selected retailers Employee resource groups