Head of Commercial – Securing the Future Programme

Job overview

Job Summary

This position offers the opportunity to play a leading role in a once-in-a-generation hospital development as part of the NHS New Hospital Programme.

We are seeking an inspirational, commercially astute and delivery-focused professional to lead all construction and commercial activity across the Trust’s New Hospital Programme, a major capital development in excess of £1bn.

As Head of Commercial, you will be central to shaping, influencing and delivering the commercial, contractual and construction strategy from design and planning through to pre-construction, enabling works, main build, and handover. Working closely with the national New Hospital Programme team and H2.0 Alliance framework, you will ensure the programme is delivered safely, efficiently, and with maximum public value.

Known for your ability to influence, negotiate and build trusted relationships, you will bring strong commercial judgement, analytical thinking, and a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement. You will be comfortable operating in complex, politically sensitive environments and managing delivery through ambiguity and change.

This is a unique opportunity to help turn the Trust’s new hospital into a reality and secure a world-class healthcare facility for future generations.

Main duties of the job

The general responsibilities of the postholder will be:

• Reporting to the Programme Director, the Head of Commercial will lead all commercial, contractual, and procurement delivery activity for the New Hospital Programme. •    The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing robust commercial and delivery strategies, ensuring best practice across cost management, procurement, contract administration, and construction management. •    The role will provide expert leadership in the procurement and management of professional advisors and construction partners, working in partnership with the national New Hospital Programme and the H2.0 Alliance. •    The post holder will establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders, finance teams, clinical leaders, external advisors, and delivery partners to ensure the programme achieves value for money, quality, and long-term sustainability. •    The role will contribute to Trust-wide capital, commercial, and procurement strategies and support the development of internal capability across major project delivery.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Activities

Programme Commercial Leadership •    Provide strategic leadership for all commercial activities across the New Hospital Programme. •    Act as the Trust’s senior professional lead for construction procurement, commercial management, and contract administration. •    Contribute to the overall programme vision, delivery strategy, and business case development. •    Represent the Trust in regional and national forums relating to capital delivery and the New Hospital Programme. •    Provide expert advice to the Trust Board and Executive Team on commercial and delivery matters. •    To deputise for the Programme Director as required and to undertake any other duties as appropriate.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management •    Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with programme objectives and timescales working with the Trust and AGH Solutions procurement team. •    Lead the procurement of professional advisors, consultants, and technical specialists. •    Lead, in conjunction with the national NHP team, the procurement of the construction partner through the H2.0 Alliance framework. •    Manage tender processes, prepare procurement documentation, evaluate bids, and negotiate contracts. •    Ensure compliance with public sector procurement regulations and NHS policy. •    Build and maintain a resilient, sustainable, and competitive supply chain. •    Promote early contractor involvement, collaboration, and market engagement.

Commercial and Contract Management •    Establish and manage commercial governance, controls, and reporting arrangements. •    Lead the negotiation, implementation, and administration of major contracts. •    Implement effective cost control and value management processes. •    Manage change control, claims, and dispute resolution. •    Ensure contracts provide predictability of outcomes and are sustainable for delivery partners. •    Provide expert advice on contract forms, procurement routes, and reimbursement models.

Design, Pre-Construction and Planning •    Provide commercial input into design development and planning submissions. •    Oversee pre-construction services agreements and early works packages. •    Ensure buildability, safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency are embedded in design. •    Support planning negotiations and statutory approvals. •    Promote modern methods of construction, digitisation, and design standardisation.

Cost Management, Forecasting and Reporting •    Develop and implement standardised cost management processes. •    Oversee externally appointed Cost Advisors and Quantity Surveyors. •    Support Project Managers in cost planning, viability studies, and commercial decision-making. •    Provide scrutiny and assurance at gateway and work stage reviews. •    Cost and cashflow forecasting •    Work with Finance and the project teams to produce accurate monthly forecasts. •    Lead the consolidation of project-level data into programme-wide reports. •    Ensure reporting meets internal and external assurance requirements. •    Oversee monthly reporting of actual expenditure against forecast. •    Ensure accuracy, transparency, and consistency of financial information

Financial Management •    Lead commercial input into business cases, funding submissions, and investment appraisals. •    Work closely with Finance colleagues to manage capital budgets and cash flow. •    Support audit, gateway reviews, and external assurance processes. •    Maximise opportunities for efficiency, savings, and value creation. •    Ensure financial good governance in line with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust policy.

• Identification of potential sources of funding.