Senior Commercial Manager

Location: One Trafford Partnership Depot - Wythenshawe (M23 9 LF)

Salary range: SM4C £60,762 - £67,141 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time, 36.25 per week

We will offer flexibility where we can if you are interested in a role, please speak to the recruiting manager about what flexibility they might consider. This is not a remote role.

Application deadline: 08/03/2026

Interview date: Week starting 16/03/2026

Interview type: In person, with candidates providing a 10min presentation.

About the Role

We currently have an exciting opportunity to further develop and lead our commercial function within the Highways Transport and Environment (HTE) team. The HTE team plays a critical role for our residents, businesses and visitors; overseeing highways, recycling and waste collection and providing accessible greenspace.

Reporting directly to the HTE Director, you will be responsible for all commercial aspects within the service. You will have senior commercial and contract management experience and excellent negotiating skills whilst building and maintaining relationships with our suppliers.

In collaboration with Council directorates and the OTP, you will be responsible for ensuring that projects and services are delivered to the required standards, on time, and within budget. You will also have the opportunity to assess current processes and procedures, recommend improvements, and implement changes.

A typical day will involve leading contractual and commercial negotiations, as well as reviewing, developing, and implementing improved practices. You will proactively collaborate with colleagues to identify risks and opportunities within the Directorate, agreeing on mitigations and defining next steps. Additionally, you’ll work closely with internal business partners to conduct financial analysis and oversee procurement activities, ensuring services are delivered to agreed standards and within budget.

This role will primarily be based at the One Trafford Partnership (OTP) depot in Wythenshawe, with opportunities to work from Trafford Town Hall and undertaking site visits within the borough. Access to your own vehicle and a full driving license are required.

The OTP is a partnership between Trafford Council and Amey. This role will be working directly for the Council and is a key role managing the relationship between the Council and Amey. The OTP provides a wide range of environmental and infrastructure services including highways services, bridges, road safety, street lighting and furniture, drainage, domestic waste collections, street cleaning, grounds maintenance and property services.

About you

You will have excellent customer service skills and experience of building and maintaining strong relationships. You will be able to demonstrate the successful and cost-effective delivery of projects and services, from inception to completion, and will have extensive negotiation skills and knowledge of industry standards along with experience of managing complex contracts.

You will have a proven track record of managing relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple departments such as Finance, Legal and Procurement, to facilitate a coordinated commercial outcome whilst adhering to tight deadlines. Additionally, you will hold Chartered status with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or possess another construction-based qualification to at least degree level, supported by relevant post-qualification experience.

Your flexible style and approach will reflect our EPIC values: a commitment to continual learning and improvement for effective outcomes; valuing and respecting others' contributions; taking ownership of your actions and learning from mistakes when they occur; and enjoying personal responsibility to resolve issues and adapt your approach to make a difference.

About us

Trafford Council and its partners in the public, private and third sectors have a Vision which sees us working together to close inequality gaps and maximise Trafford’s huge potential.

Our vision: Trafford where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive.

Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, as well as a fair and flexible workplace. The council is a Living Wage Employer.

Additional Information

You will have flexibility in terms of hybrid working at home and in the office.

You will be required to drive in this role.

Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications so, please do not delay in submitting your application.

If you have completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development Programme within the last 2 years, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.

Contact Details

For further information on the role please contact the below Officers and we can arrange a discussion, or provide further detail on the opportunities the role offers.

Chris.Morris@trafford.gov.uk Director of Highways, Transport and Environment.

Helen.Ashcroft@trafford.gov.uk - Head of Resources and Waste

James.Lomax@trafford.gov.uk - Head of Highways and Transport.

About the benefits

You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centered and values-based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford.

To learn more about Trafford as a place to work visit and to view more about our awards and benefits please visit: Trafford - Benefits | www.inploi.com (greater.jobs)

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment - greater.jobs | www.inploi.com

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licensed sponsor and we won't be able to support with your work visa .

Privacy Notice - The Council needs to hold and process information about employees, workers and other individuals as appropriate, for various reasons. With the General Data Protection Regulations coming into force we have in place a new privacy notice for staff, contractors, volunteers, trainees, those on work experience and job applicants. To find out more, please click here: Recruitment & Employment Privacy Notice (trafford.gov.uk)