Commercial Manager

The Grant Management Group (GMG) at LGC exists to deliver high-quality, transparent, and efficient management of public research funding. We are committed to supporting the Department of Health and Social Care and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) by ensuring that research grants are administered effectively, enabling world-class research that improves health outcomes, drives innovation, and delivers value for the public.

LGC is seeking an experienced and results-driven Procurement Manager to join our team for an immediate start for a fixed-term contract of 4 to 5 months. This key role will support the successful delivery of a major public sector tender submission, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure all procurement elements meet the required standards and deadlines.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-profile bid process, where your expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier engagement, contract negotiation, and public sector compliance will play a critical role. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring LGC’s procurement response is robust, competitive, and aligned with both regulatory requirements and organisational goals.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring a strong track record in procurement management, particularly in supporting public sector tenders, this interim role offers a rewarding and impactful challenge.

Tasks required included: 

• Supplier management; providing a single point of contact for all commercial and financial discussions 
• Supporting commercial lead with pricing discussions and working with internal proposal leads and subject matter experts to ensure that supplier offers meet technical requirements and offer good value for money
• Ensure suppliers are compliant with LGC’s supply chain requirements and any additional requirements specified by the customer 
• Lead on negotiating appropriate subcontract agreements, with support from central legal team, including ensuring appropriate flow down of main contract terms to key subcontractors and other bespoke suppliers 

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience managing or supporting large-scale public sector tenders, ideally in health, research, or government-funded services
• Strong understanding of public procurement regulations (e.g. UK Public Contracts Regulations 2015, or Find a Tender Service (FTS) process)
• Experience drafting and reviewing tender documents, including Invitation to Tender (ITT), pricing schedules, and evaluation criteria
• Track record of supporting complex bid submissions within tight deadlines
• Experience in supplier engagement, tender clarifications, and managing communications during the procurement lifecycle
• Familiarity with contract management frameworks (e.g. NEC, CCS, NHS frameworks) and related risk/compliance issues
• Working knowledge of value for money (VfM) assessments and public sector procurement scoring methodologies
• Proficiency in managing procurement timelines and coordinating input from internal teams and external partners.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with health or research sector tenders (e.g. NIHR, NHS, DHSC-funded programmes)
• Familiarity with grant funding, commissioning, or intellectual property considerations in research or innovation contexts.

Qualifications:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
• CIPS Level 4 (or higher) or working towards MCIPS
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM) is advantageous

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and document control
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and coordinate cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement tools (e.g. Jaggaer, Delta, Atamis)

Salary & Benefits
£51,300 + per year 
Bonus - subject to company performance
25 days annual leave, plus public holidays (UK)
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
Benenden Healthcare

Please note: This is a fixed-term hybrid role based in our Twickenham office, lasting 4 to 5 months. Employees are expected to work on-site at least one day per week.

Application Process
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR. 

NB: Closing date for applications is 5pm of 12th June, with interviews to be held from the 16th June. 

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age or trade union membership.