Job summary
The Deputy Commercial Director will play a pivotal supporting role within the Legal & Commercial workstream, assisting the Commercial Director in delivering high-quality commercial, procurement, and contract management services for the Healthier Futures Programme. The Deputy will help ensure the effective delivery of strategic commercial advice, supporting value for money, quality, and continuous improvement across all programme activities.
Working closely with the Commercial Director, this post will contribute to the development and implementation of commercial and procurement strategies, with a particular focus on supporting the Trust's objectives for the redevelopment of Leighton Hospital.
All candidates should note that interviews will be held in person, at Leighton Hospital. Working pattern for this role is hybrid (primarily site based with the option to work from home 2 days per week).
Main duties of the job
The role will involve assisting in the management of commercial contracts, procurement processes, and cost management activities, as well as supporting the development of team members and stakeholder education on commercial procedures.
The post will take operational lead for specific areas within the Legal and Commercial workstream and for multi-million pound projects within the overall programme portfolio.
The Deputy Commercial Director will act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders in the absence of the Commercial Director, ensuring continuity of service and effective communication. The postholder will also support the monitoring of supplier performance, risk management, and the delivery of robust commercial services that meet statutory, regulatory, and NHS requirements. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and progression within a dynamic and high-profile programme environment.
About us
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area's largest employers.
Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we're reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the Commercial Director in developing and implementing the Trusts procurement strategy for the new hospital programme, ensuring alignment with scheme goals and timelines.
Conduct market research and supplier evaluations to help identify reliable and cost-effective partners.
As directed lead the procurement process for contractors, consultants, and equipment, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and the NHP procurement strategy.
Implement effective cost control measures, helping to optimise expenses while maintaining quality and meeting development timelines.
Aid Project Managers in producing cost plans to support viability studies and the use of rule of thumb cost models.
Collaborate with the finance team, Project Management team, and Cost Advisors to support monthly reporting on forecast expenditure and cashflow against defined project budgets.
Full Job Description Attached
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the Commercial Director in developing and implementing the Trusts procurement strategy for the new hospital programme, ensuring alignment with scheme goals and timelines.
Conduct market research and supplier evaluations to help identify reliable and cost-effective partners.
As directed lead the procurement process for contractors, consultants, and equipment, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and the NHP procurement strategy.
Implement effective cost control measures, helping to optimise expenses while maintaining quality and meeting development timelines.
Aid Project Managers in producing cost plans to support viability studies and the use of rule of thumb cost models.
Collaborate with the finance team, Project Management team, and Cost Advisors to support monthly reporting on forecast expenditure and cashflow against defined project budgets.
Full Job Description Attached
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant qualification to degree level with minimum 5 years' experience
- Relevant qualification to masters level or equivalent experience
- Relevant construction related professional qualification, or working towards same.
- oRecognised Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner) or relevant experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the New Hospital Programme
- Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues
- Excels in both influencing and negotiation
- Excellent numerical skills
Desirable
- Demonstrable coaching experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience in NHS or other politically high-profile organisations
- Subject matter expertise across a number of key areas relating to Contract Management; Evidence of experience in Construction or Professional Services with evidence of a Commercial and Contractual bias
- Experience in a variety of Procurement and Contracting models and specifically in Construction based contracting environments, using a range of reimbursement models.
- Extensive knowledge of different procurement routes and contemporary routes to market
- Demonstrable experience of working in a large infrastructure programme interfacing with project managers, planners, risk managers and project controls with demonstrable experience of strategic cost management at a programme level.
Desirable
- Experience of facilitating team development workshops and organisational development interventions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant qualification to degree level with minimum 5 years' experience
- Relevant qualification to masters level or equivalent experience
- Relevant construction related professional qualification, or working towards same.
- oRecognised Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner) or relevant experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the New Hospital Programme
- Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues
- Excels in both influencing and negotiation
- Excellent numerical skills
Desirable
- Demonstrable coaching experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience in NHS or other politically high-profile organisations
- Subject matter expertise across a number of key areas relating to Contract Management; Evidence of experience in Construction or Professional Services with evidence of a Commercial and Contractual bias
- Experience in a variety of Procurement and Contracting models and specifically in Construction based contracting environments, using a range of reimbursement models.
- Extensive knowledge of different procurement routes and contemporary routes to market
- Demonstrable experience of working in a large infrastructure programme interfacing with project managers, planners, risk managers and project controls with demonstrable experience of strategic cost management at a programme level.
Desirable
- Experience of facilitating team development workshops and organisational development interventions.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
