Commercial Manager

Description

There has never been a more exciting time to join Heathrow.

As we prepare for a proposed £10bn capital delivery programme between 2027 and 2031, we're looking for commercially astute procurement professionals who want to play a key role in shaping the future of one of the world's most complex infrastructure environments.

Joining Heathrow at this moment means stepping into a high-energy, high-calibre and deeply collaborative environment, where you'll work alongside experts across engineering, construction, operations and commercial functions to deliver projects that will leave a lasting legacy for millions of passengers.

From terminal developments and baggage systems to major airfield projects and critical infrastructure upgrades, this role sits at the heart of Heathrow's transformation programme. You'll lead the end-to-end commercial lifecycle, taking projects from procurement strategy and sourcing through to contract award, implementation and post-contract management.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, project teams and suppliers, you'll develop innovative procurement strategies that maximise value, manage risk and support the successful delivery of Heathrow's ambitious capital investment portfolio. In doing so, you'll help deliver not only commercial outcomes, but also our wider ambitions around sustainability, operational excellence and creating a world-class experience for passengers.

This is a unique opportunity to influence some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects while building strategic supplier partnerships that will shape Heathrow's future for decades to come.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement and commercial management of complex infrastructure and capital works projects, from sourcing strategy and market engagement through to contract award and contract management.
• Develop and deliver innovative procurement strategies for high-value programmes, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market opportunities and long-term value.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Heathrow's governance framework, delegated authorities and approval requirements.
• Review and challenge project cost plans, estimates and commercial assumptions to ensure affordability, value for money and alignment with procurement and delivery strategies.
• Manage strategic sourcing activities across complex spend categories, driving commercial value, operational efficiency and effective risk management.
• Partner with project teams, senior stakeholders and suppliers to shape commercial approaches, challenge plans, maximise value and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee contract and supplier performance management, including contractual obligations, claims management, savings delivery, risk mitigation and benefits realisation.
• Follow innovative commercial models and industry best practice while embedding responsible procurement principles and supporting Heathrow's sustainability ambitions.

Qualifications

We're looking for commercially-minded professionals who combine strong procurement expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and manage complex supplier relationships.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable experience managing the full commercial lifecycle, including procurement, contract award and post-award contract management.
• Proven experience leading sourcing and commercial activities for large-scale infrastructure, construction or capital works projects, typically valued at £10m+ and often exceeding £100m.
• Strong experience working within NEC4 contracts, or equivalent, alongside developing procurement strategies and leading complex commercial negotiations.
• Track record of delivering projects that achieve business affordability, value and performance objectives.
• Experience building and influencing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders across complex matrix organisations.
• Professional qualification, or working towards qualification, such as MCIPS, MRICS, APM, CEng or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience applying commercial approaches and procurement best practice within major infrastructure or capital programmes.
• Understanding of supplier performance management, claims management and commercial risk mitigation.
• Experience supporting sustainability, responsible procurement or social value objectives within sourcing and contracting activities.

#LI-Hybrid