Commercial Manager – FM PFI contract
Commercial ManagerWe are pleased to offer an excellent opportunity for a Commercial Manager to join a large team on a permanent basis. This role will be primarily based in the Northampton office, with occasional travel to other sites and the local school estate.Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday-FridayThis is a key leadership role within the Northampton Schools account, supporting the delivery of high‑quality facilities management services across a 20 +school PFI portfolio. Operating at the heart of the contract, the Commercial Manager will ensure strong commercial performance, robust governance, and long-term contractual compliance.As part of the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for driving transparent, accurate and value‑focused commercial management across a complex and highly regulated PFI environment. The role plays a pivotal part in ensuring contractual obligations are met, risks are well managed, and costs are controlled throughout the lifecycle of the contract.You will work closely with the SPV, the Local Authority, school leadership teams, subcontractors and internal operational colleagues to maintain sound commercial governance and reliable service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Provide commercial oversight of the Total FM PFI contract, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and performance standards.
Interpret and apply PFI contract clauses, advising operational teams on risks, liabilities and commercial impacts.
Manage and administer PFI change control processes, including reviewing, pricing, negotiating and securing approvals for variations.
Produce accurate monthly commercial reports, forecasts and P&Ls.
Review accruals, WIP, provisions and cost capture to ensure financial accuracy.
Oversee subcontractor management, ensuring compliance, performance monitoring, procurement and pricing accuracy.
Act as the main commercial interface with the SPV, Local Authority and internal stakeholders.
Identify, monitor and mitigate commercial risks, supporting internal and external audit processes.
Provide commercial guidance to operational teams and review contractor quotations in line with agreed rates.
Lead procurement activity for minor works, reactive tasks and small projects, including quote analysis, tendering and negotiation.Skills & Experience – Desirable
Experience working on a PFI schools contract or similar long-term concession‑based FM contract.
Professional accreditation such as CIPS or RICS, or working towards qualification.
Experience using CAFM systems (e.g., Concept™ or similar) within a hard or soft FM environment.Behaviours & Competencies
Commercially astute with strong attention to detail.
Proactive and solutions‑focused mindset.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex operational environment.
High integrity with a commitment to transparent and fair commercial practices.
What We Offer
Competitive annual salary of £70000 with opportunities for annual reviews.
Clear career progression pathways into senior roles.
Access to professional and leadership training programmes.
24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
Generous pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions.
Flexible and hybrid working options to help support work-life balance.
A range of flexible benefits including insurance options, Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membership.
Access to an online discounts platform for retail, health and lifestyle savings.
Two paid Social Impact Days each year to support volunteering or fundraising activities.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)