Job Description
At Hft, we believe in a future where people with learning disabilities can live the best life possible. We're looking for a commercially minded and strategically focused Commercial Manager to help strengthen the financial sustainability and performance of our existing services.
This is an exciting opportunity to use your commercial expertise, negotiation skills and strategic thinking to make a real difference across a national charity.
This role is an 18 month fixed term contract
The role
Reporting to the Commercial Director, you'll lead on improving commercial performance across Hft's existing portfolio of services.
You'll drive fee management, annual uplifts and complex funding negotiations with local authorities, commissioners and other partners, ensuring we maximise income and secure sustainable pricing arrangements.
You'll also lead commercial reviews and service transformation projects, identifying opportunities to improve occupancy, reduce voids, address financial challenges and remodel services to support long-term sustainability.
Working closely with colleagues across Operations, Finance, Housing, Quality and Property, you'll provide commercial insight, influence strategic decisions and turn complex challenges into practical solutions.
What you'll be doing
• Lead the annual fee uplift process and maximise income opportunities across our services.
• Manage complex fee negotiations with local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and other commissioners.
• Lead commercial reviews, service remodelling and transformation initiatives.
• Oversee key contracts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Work with operational teams and the Referrals Manager to improve occupancy, reduce voids and strengthen referral pipelines.
• Develop business cases and financial recommendations to support sustainable service delivery.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, commissioners and external partners.
• Support Hft's housing strategy and contribute to wider portfolio planning.
• Deputise for the Commercial Director when required.
What we're looking for
You'll have significant experience in commercial management, contract management, commissioning or business partnering, alongside:
• A proven track record of negotiating fees and funding arrangements with local authorities or public sector commissioners.
• Experience leading service transformation, remodelling or business improvement programmes.
• A strong understanding of social care funding models and commissioning arrangements.
• Experience developing business cases, financial appraisals and commercial strategies.
• Strong financial, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management abilities.
• The confidence to challenge constructively and lead change across complex environments.
Experience within learning disability services, supported living, residential care or the wider social care sector would be advantageous. Knowledge of housing and accommodation models would also be beneficial.
Why join Hft?
You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful change, influence strategic decisions and help shape the future of our services.
Your work will directly contribute to ensuring Hft remains financially sustainable and can continue delivering high-quality, person-centred support to people with learning disabilities.
Our values underpin everything we do:
• Diverse: We champion equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Kind: Our compassion shines through everything we do.
• Positive: We focus on solutions and working together.
• Visionary: We're proud to paint a picture of what the best life possible could look like.
Working arrangements
This is a national hybrid role with regular travel to Hft services and other locations across the organisation. This role is an 18 month fixed term contract
Recruitment Process
Applications close on: 16th November. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams, with the Hiring Manager and a member of Hft’s Executive Team.
Hft is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required. If you require any support with your application, please contact Kate Boughton: kate.boughton@hft.org.uk
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage early applications.