Head of Commercial-VIVO - Corporate Functions

Who we are

VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.

What we do

We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.

Head of Commercial

West Midlands - Hybrid

Competitive salary aligned to senior commercial leadership roles, plus car allowance, bonus and benefits 

The Role

We’re looking for a Commercial Excellence Lead to strengthen contract management, governance, and commercial capability across VIVO.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, this role leads a centralised team and is focused on driving consistency, control, and performance across complex commercial contracts, primarily within a public sector environment.

You’ll be the subject matter expert on contractual matters—ensuring robust processes, managing risk, and improving how contracts are delivered and governed across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contracts & Governance

• Lead commercial excellence across VIVO, with a strong focus on contract management and control
• Establish and embed governance frameworks to ensure contractual and internal compliance
• Own processes for managing contractual claims, disputes, and escalations

Contract Management & Risk

• Drive consistency in contract management, including change control and asset variation
• Lead contract and project risk management across the business
• Provide expert contractual advice to commercial and operational teams

Process & Assurance

• Develop and standardise commercial processes across:
• Contract management and administration
• Billable works
• Risk and assurance
• Lead commercial assurance activity, including external audits

Commercial Performance

• Deliver clear commercial reporting and insights
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation
• Ensure robust controls for subcontractor engagement and work allocation

Stakeholder Management

• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders including MoD and DIO
• Support procurement strategies and supply chain engagement
• Improve understanding of contractual obligations across the business

Leadership & Culture

• Support the Commercial Director and wider leadership team
• Promote a strong commercial culture, aligned to safety, compliance, and values

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• Strong background in commercial contract management within complex environments
• Proven experience managing contractual disputes and claims
• Deep understanding of NEC4 and public sector contracts
• Experience working with public procurement regulations (Procurement Act 2023)
• Track record of implementing commercial governance, assurance, and risk frameworks
• Experience supporting or leading commercial input into bids and supply chain management

Skills

• Strong contractual and commercial judgement
• Able to interpret complex contract terms and commercial data
• Confident communicator and negotiator
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and drive consistency across teams

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Law, Quantity Surveying, or Built Environment
• Ideally chartered (or working towards)

Additional Requirements

• UK travel
• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to pass security clearance

VIVO Defence Services

The role you have applied for is with VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS. By applying for this role, please be aware that information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.

At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool.

We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.