Commercial Lead for Digital & IT

The Commercial Lead for DDAT is a permanent position dedicated to shaping and delivering the procurement, contract, negotiation, and supplier management strategy for Kingston and Sutton Councils' shared DDAT service. Acting as the subject matter expert for the technology category, you will drive the DDAT service plan, manage market engagement, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure exceptional value for money (VFM) in commissioning spend and contract performance. Key activities include leadership, commissioning, supplier relationship management, and championing new digital ways of working. In this role, you will actively manage your assigned pipeline of procurement and contracts, working closely with DDAT team members to ensure seamless delivery. You will act as the definitive subject matter expert on procurement and contracts across the technology category, which includes providing periodic cover for the Commercial Manager. Data and robust governance are also core components of this broad-ranging position; you will be fully immersed in the procurement lifecycle, from monitoring data and developing insights to uncover new opportunities, to drafting detailed governance reports. Ultimately, this role provides the autonomy and platform to directly shape strategic outcomes and drive meaningful transformational change across both councils. Our ideal candidate is a highly autonomous professional with a minimum of three years of practical experience specifically procuring Digital, Data, and Technology solutions. You must possess the proven ability to fully draft and review complex commercial contracts, backed by excellent numerical and literacy skills to manage financial modeling, price management, and detailed governance reporting. You will bring a broad, extensive understanding of the technology market including the typical risks associated with various technology solutions and a comprehensive grasp of public sector procurement legislation, regulations, and frameworks. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to navigate stakeholder and partner relationships effectively.