Senior Commercial Manager

Senior Commercial Manager

London, Leeds or Manchester (Hybrid)

Closing Date: 27th January 2026

Procurement at Direct Line is an expansive, innovative, intelligent affair. Bringing together supplier, competitor and industry knowledge, our teams source sustainable, commercially beneficial opportunities that keep us driving forward. It’s a department that spans the length and breadth of the business. That means unrivalled opportunities for career development, skill-growth, and a wealth of experience to draw from.

We're looking for a Senior Commercial Manager to join us on a 9-12 Month Fixed Term/Secondment basis.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop long-term value-adding supplier and relationship strategies for critical suppliers that are aligned to business and category and supply chain strategies.

• Work with the Head of Function, Category Head, and Business Partners to translate the functional objectives into specific category strategies, with a clear plan to execute and deliver.

• Develop annual plans in liaison with the Business Partners, Category Head and Sourcing teams, leading the commercial management of key suppliers.

• Lead the management of complex supplier contracts, operational reviews, and in-contract negotiations, putting in place effective improvement action plans to address performance issues and internal controls as appropriate.

• Identify emerging risks and issues in relation to the adequacy and effectiveness of existing controls relating to CM&P business processes and technology.

• To ensure that risks identified in relation to the Categories are actioned, addressed to a satisfactory level and closed in relevant databases and reporting

• To attend the Category Sourcing Committee (CSC) as requested and ensure all relevant activities and actions are completed across the areas of responsibility.

• Lead on commercial management and projects (e.g. continuous improvement, innovation led initiatives, supply chain collaboration, etc.), bringing innovation from the market and supply base, delivering ongoing and increasing benefit to DLG through the effective engagement of suppliers and delivery of service, obligations and initiatives that drive new customer propositions, cost reduction and service improvement

• Engage with Business Partners and develop stakeholder networks and management approaches across the categories of responsibility and work in a way that positively engages the support of stakeholders up to Director Level using sophisticated problem solving communication and influencing skills.

• Manage sourcing and/or commercial managers as required, with responsibility for their objectives, performance and career development.

• Develop coaching relationships at all levels to support the development of colleagues and increase the effectiveness of the function.

Our hybrid model offers a 'best of both worlds' approach. When you'll be in the office depends on your role and team, but colleagues spend at least 50% of their time in the office.

What you'll need:

• We're looking for somebody with experience in a commercial contract management role, with sound contract knowledge and a good grasp on principles of Category Management and Category Planning.

• Experience in managing material outsource and/or offshore suppliers (not essential but highly desirable).

• You will be able to work with suppliers to resolve commercial issues or to find better ways of working - confident in handling challenging or difficult conversations by demonstrating resilience and professionalism.

• Excellent contract and compliance knowledge

• Excellent stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

We recognise we wouldn't be where we are today without our colleagues, that's why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:

· 9% employer contributed pension

· 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free Green Flag breakdown cover

· Additional optional Health and Dental insurance

· EV car scheme

· Generous holidays

· Buy as you earn share scheme

· Employee discounts and cashback

· Plus, many more

We want everyone to get the most out of their time ch is why we've looked beyond the financial rewards and created an offer that takes your whole life into account.…