Senior Commercial Contract Specialist

Believ: ABOUT USAt Believ formerly known as Liberty Charge we believe sustainable transport should be accessible to everyone. Were a Charge Point Operator (CPO) on a mission to create the UKs most reliable electric vehicle charging network that doesnt cost the earth and leaves no one behind.We work closely with local authorities and businesses to deliver reliable high quality charging networks at pace at scale and at zero cost.We offer all the advantages of being a scale-up business but with the added security and long-term backing from well-known parents - Liberty Global (who also own our delivery partner Virgin Media O2) and Zouk Capital (who manage the Governments Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund).Youll be joining this exciting journey at the start of our scale-up phase and work with us to hit the ambitious targets our shareholders have set. Youll become part of a passionate and supportive team in a fast-paced dynamic and result-driven environment.About the roleWere seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Contract Specialist to join our team specialising in high-value (5m) Public Sector contracts. Reporting to the Public Sector Director this is a critical role supporting our mission to accelerate the UKs transition to net zero through strategic partnerships with Local Authorities (LAs).The successful candidate will be part of the Commercial team securing high-value long-term complex concession contracts with LAs across the UK.Working closely with our legal team youll address commercial matters as part of the contract completion process.Youll have a good understanding of both the commercial realities of major concession contracts and the unique elements of public sector procurement; with strong legal awareness to support collaborative contract completion.Contract ManagementSupport the Business Development Managers to progress post-award contract discussions with LA clientsCollaborate with the legal team during contract completionGuide the pre-award team to navigate complex commercial terms including advising on change of control mechanisms remediation rights payment processes and termination & compensation clauses to ensure contracts are fit for purpose and aligned to the company strategy during the bid stageAssess the suitability of the required liability indemnity and insurance provisions appropriate for long-term concession projectsUnder an established business playbook and delegated authority levels provide commercial context and business rationale to support the legal teams contract analysisStakeholder ManagementBuild relationships at multiple levels within LAs including EV Officers Councillors Cabinet Members Directors and their legal teamsEffectively manage client expectations regarding contract preparation and anticipated signature timeframesEducate clients on commercial realities of infrastructure deliveryManage escalations to senior stakeholders as requiredCoordinate with internal teams (commercial legal operations finance) to ensure alignmentManage internal stakeholders with differing priorities and expectations; including the ability to challenge diplomatically influence decisions and reach agreement on commercial positions when neededSuccess MeasuresAchieve contract signatures within agreed timescales post-awardMaintain contract pipeline momentum with minimal delays attributable to commercial departmentSecure commercial terms that align with company risk appetite and strategic objectivesSuccessfully negotiate risk allocation that protects against unreasonable liability exposure while maintaining competitive positioningAchieve contract terms that support long-term project viability and profitability targetsSuccessfully support bid processes that result in contract award rates and contract signatures meeting or exceeding business targetsProcess ManagementConduct thorough contract handovers post-signature to Operations to commence the deployment of projects using digital systems including CRM Microsoft Office Suite and AI toolsBrief account management teams on key contract obligations following signatureMaintain detailed records of contract discussions and decisionsDevelop and implement standardised commercial approaches that reduce completion cycle timesSupport development of contract management best practicesProvide clear actionable commercial guidance that enables legal team efficiency and decision-makingLeverage industry expertise to advise leadership on strategy and contract process improvementsAbout youAt Believ we are building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent. We are a dedicated and high-performing team accustomed to working at pace in an ever-evolving industry. The successful candidate will be as passionate as us about cutting carbon emissions and providing cleaner air for all; making a tangible impact on the UKs net zero journey. Youll enjoy solving complex commercial challenges and have the following attributes and skills:Essential ExperiencePublic Sector Procurement: Deep understanding of public sector procurement processes and regulations buying frameworks and decision-making structuresCommercial Contract Management: Minimum 3 years of complex contract management experience preferably with contract values 5mStakeholder Management: Proven ability to build relationships and manage expectations with senior public sector stakeholdersContract Law Understanding: Strong commercial contract knowledge including liability indemnity termination and change control mechanisms - with ability to support legal team analysis (rather than lead legal interpretation)Project Management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent contract discussions with competing prioritiesDesirable Qualifications / ExperienceEV sector knowledgeInfrastructure utilities telecoms construction or concession sector backgroundExperience with Local Authority procurement processes including understanding of long-term public concession contracts and their commercial implications knowledge of contract law public contract regulatory requirements and industry-specific legal considerationsExperience of reviewing commercial contracts and identifying risks across a range of commercial and legal matters.Familiarity with working with Government funding schemes and public procurement processesProven experience leading complex multi-stakeholder contract discussions ideally in public sector procurement or infrastructure projects with a track record of closing high-value deals over extended timeframes (6-12 months)Skills Core CompetenciesCommercial Acumen: Strong business sense with ability to balance risk and commercial opportunity while supporting legal teams wider contract analysisAttention to Detail: Meticulous approach to contract terms and their implications. Capable of interpreting legal jargon and translating it into business-friendly language to make informed decisionsCommunication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex commercial concepts to both legal teams and clientsCollaborative: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams especially legal finance and business development to achieve mutually beneficial contract termsSoft SkillsDiplomacy: Skilled at managing difficult conversations and finding mutually acceptable solutionsResilience: Comfortable with up to 12-month contract completion cycles and managing client expectations. Ability to remain calm under pressure and stay focused on securing the best terms for the organisationIntegrity: Strong sense of ethics and professional integrity ensuring that contracts are completed fairly and comply with legal and company standards. Team-oriented with a strong sense of responsibility and ownershipBenefitsCompetitive salary and bonus scheme25 days annual leave plus the usual 8 UK Bank Holidays and the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year*Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app personal medical insurance critical illness cover dental optical & travel insurance income protection and life assurancePension contribution matched up to 10%Access to our car benefit scheme and cycle to work schemeAccess to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.24 hours a year Volunteer Time Off to support causes that are important to youVirgin Media / O2 discounts and offersAccess to VIP Arena Suites at the O2 Arena (London) and First Direct Arena (Leeds)Enhanced parental leave policies* This perk can only be availed for the following calendar year by employees who started before 1st DecemberLocationThe business is currently based in our office in Southwark. The position is full time hybrid with 3 days (Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday) based in the office. Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people.We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.Required Experience:Senior IC Key Skills Forecasting,Hyperion,Cost Management,Construction Estimating,QlikView,Bus Driving,Analysis Skills,HubSpot,Salesforce,Market Research,negotiation,Financial Planning Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1