Contract and Commercial Specialist

This role has a starting salary of £47,142 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This is a fixed term contract opportunity until 31st March 2027.

This is an opportunity to join our Procurement service as a Contract and Commercial Specialist, leading on contract management and commercial improvement activity. The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes coming together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters. Our Offer to You 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for fixed term contracts)Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About the RoleIn this role, you will play a critical part in supporting Surrey County Council through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), ensuring that all contractual arrangements are robust, compliant and fit for transition ahead of vesting day. You will lead and support the review, assurance and alignment of contracts, working to ensure that the council enters the new unitary structure with a clear, safe and legally compliant contract position.You will work closely with internal stakeholders, legal teams, suppliers and partners to assess existing contractual arrangements, identify risks, gaps and inconsistencies, and implement remedial actions where required. This will include ensuring contracts are accurately recorded, appropriately varied where necessary, and that governance, performance and financial controls are clearly defined.A key part of the role will be providing expert advice and challenge aligning to Surrey CC Contract Management Framework to ensure contract and supply arrangements are robust and deliver continuity of service through the transition. You will support the development of standard approaches, guidance and tools to strengthen contract management capability and ensure compliance with regulatory and organisational requirements.Working within matrix teams across all councils across Surrey, you will contribute to the co-ordinated delivery of LGR activity, supporting due diligence, data validation, and supplier engagement. You will also help ensure that supply chains are stable, risks are actively managed, and that the council is well positioned to operate effectively and lawfully from day one of the new authority. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:Able to analyse complex information and use insight to make clear, evidence-based recommendations Builds strong working relationships and communicates effectively with a range of stakeholders Demonstrates confidence in challenging constructively and influencing decision-making Plans and manages work effectively, balancing priorities to deliver high-quality outcomes Identifies opportunities for improvement and takes initiative to implement practical solutionsTo apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
Can you describe a time where you analysed data or information to identify an issue and recommend an improvement? What was the outcome?Tell us about a situation where you worked with stakeholders to influence a decision or improve a process. How did you approach it? Provide an example of how you managed competing priorities or projects. How did you ensure successful delivery?Describe a time when you identified an opportunity to improve performance or efficiency. What actions did you take?
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/06/2026 with interviews to follow in the following week.Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! CommitmentWe are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.