Head of Commercial - Corporate Services
The Metropolitan Police Service is undergoing significant transformation as it delivers the Commissioner's vision of a New Met for London. As the challenge of protecting over 9 million Londoners evolves, we are developing new ways of working, investing in critical services and strengthening the commercial capability that underpins operational policing.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Commercial (Corporate) to provide interim leadership for a substantial Corporate Services portfolio worth approximately £100m per annum.
This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic procurement decisions that support frontline policing while leading a high-performing commercial team within one of the UK's most complex public sector organisations.
Contract: 12 months (Possible extension to 18 months)
Location: Kilburn, London, NW6
Payrate: £650 up to £800 per day Umbrella
Working arrangements: Full time Monday to Friday - 3 days office based - Thursday mandatory office day.
Vetting: CTC - you must have lived and work in the UK for the past 5 years.
The Role
As Head of Commercial (Corporate), you will lead one of the Corporate & Professional Services commercial teams, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes:
- Occupational Health
- Records Management & Digitisation
- HR and Business Services
- Workplace Services
- Stationery and other Corporate Services categories
Leading a team of approximately 6-7 commercial professionals, you will work closely with senior stakeholders, including leadership and Management Board-level representatives, to deliver innovative commercial solutions, drive value and ensure robust governance across the procurement lifecycle.
Key projects include:
- Leading a major Occupational Health procurement programme due to go to market within the next six months.
- Driving a significant Records Management & Digitisation procurement initiative.
- Developing and implementing category strategies across a complex corporate services portfolio.
- Providing strategic commercial advice and assurance to senior business leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic delivery and management of the Corporate Services category portfolio.
- Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
- Manage a team of commercial professionals, driving performance, capability and professional development.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to deliver effective commercial solutions and value for money outcomes.
- Lead complex, high-value procurements and supplier negotiations.
- Oversee governance, pipeline planning and commercial risk management.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and MPS/MOPAC governance requirements.
- Provide commercial leadership across the full lifecycle: define, procure and manage.
About You
We are looking for a commercially astute leader who combines strategic thinking with strong people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in a senior commercial or procurement leadership role.
- Proven experience managing complex commercial portfolios and high-value procurement activity.
- Strong track record of influencing and partnering with senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading teams and delivering results through others.
- Demonstrable experience of complex negotiations and commercial strategy development.
- Strong understanding of commercial risk, supplier management and value delivery.
- Ability to manage multiple categories within a broad corporate services environment.
- Experience developing commercial capability and fostering an inclusive team culture.
Highly Desirable
- Corporate Services procurement experience.
- Experience within both public and private sector commercial environments.
- Broad category management experience rather than a deep category specialism.
- Current or recent security clearance/vetting.
- Government Commercial Function accreditation at Commercial Lead level or above.
Not Suitable For
This opportunity is unlikely to suit professionals whose experience has been exclusively focused on:
- IT Procurement
- Property Procurement
We are specifically seeking a commercial generalist with a broad category background and proven leadership capability.
Leadership Style
Success in this role will come from being:
- Approachable and collaborative
- Able to influence and engage at all levels
- Focused on empowering teams rather than micromanaging
- Comfortable operating within an established and high-performing team culture
- Skilled at balancing strategic oversight with delivery accountability
What's on Offer?
- £650-£800 per day (Inside IR35) Umbrella
- Initial 12-month contract with likely extension to 18 months
- Opportunity to shape commercial outcomes across the UK's largest police service
- High-profile stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership responsibilities
- Hybrid working arrangements
Working Pattern & Locations
- Hybrid working
- 3 days per week onsite
- Attendance at Kilburn Police Station every Thursday is mandatory
- Additional office locations include:
- New Scotland Yard
- Lambeth
- Marlow House (Sidcup)
- Hendon
Start date: As soon as vetting is completed. Fast-track vetting may be available where appropriate.
If you're an experienced commercial leader looking for a high-impact interim role where your expertise can directly support safer communities across London, we'd welcome your application.