Commercial Lead – Contract Management

Department: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

Location: Manchester and Cardiff

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is leading one of the most ambitious digital transformation agendas in government. The department is responsible for modernising how public services are designed, delivered and operated, replacing legacy approaches with platforms, products and delivery models designed to work at national scale.

This role is central to ensuring that major digital programmes are supported by robust, well-managed contracts as they scale, evolve and transition between delivery phases. You will shape and lead contract management approaches that ensure strong in-life governance, effective performance management and early identification of risk, enabling programmes to deliver at pace while maintaining control, assurance and value.

Some responsibilities include:

• Lead contract management across a defined portfolio of live contracts, ensuring alignment with the GDS Contract Management Strategy, associated standards, controls and governance.
• Provide leadership to a small team, setting priorities and allocating resources across competing demands, ensuring consistent and proportionate contract management.
• Manage contracts according to risk, value and service criticality, with a particular focus on high-risk and business-critical arrangements.
• You will bring experience of delivering commercial activity in complex or fast-paced environments, ideally within digital or technology programmes. You will be confident working with suppliers, applying sound judgement and leading contract management activity to support delivery outcomes.

Closing date is before 11:55 pm on Sunday 19th July 2026