Commercial Lead – IT Outsourcing & Offshoring Programme

Location: London (Hybrid working 2-3 x days per week in the office)

Duration: 6 Months

Rate: £650 - £750 (Outside IR35)

Join a global organisation where no two days are the same. You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive environment that brings together specialists across events, digital services, research, and technology. With a large international footprint and a strong UK presence, the business operates at scale and offers the opportunity to influence strategic transformation from day one.

We are embarking on a major IT outsourcing and offshoring programme designed to optimise cost, enhance service quality, and enable significant transformation across the retained technology organisation. To support this, we’re seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to shape, negotiate, and execute the commercial agreements that will underpin this strategy.

You’ll play a central role in a fast‑moving programme, with the ambition to have a fully executed outsourcing agreement in place by Q2 2026. A small, established panel of preferred partners (with existing MSAs) has already been selected as part of this process.

This role reports to the Chief Technology Strategy Officer and works closely with the IT Procurement team. You’ll also operate as part of a dedicated Sourcing Programme team led by the Chief Technology Operations Officer, contributing to both strategy and hands‑on delivery.

The ideal candidate brings strong commercial acumen, technical understanding, and the ability to secure value‑driven partnerships aligned with organisational goals.

The role is London‑based for at least three days per week with occasional travel to India throughout the engagement period.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex commercial negotiations with a preferred panel of IT service providers, technology vendors, and offshore partners.
• Develop and implement vendor management strategies that maximise value and minimise risk.
• Create commercial frameworks and pricing models focused on cost efficiency and service quality.
• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and technical teams to ensure contracts meet business and compliance requirements.
• Work with the Programme Team to structure, plan and execute all activities required to develop, negotiate, and finalise contracts.
• Build strong relationships with key vendors, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Lead contract reviews and renewals, identifying opportunities for consolidation and optimisation.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies, including contingency and exit planning.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in commercial management, vendor negotiations or procurement, with a clear focus on IT outsourcing and offshoring.
• Proven success negotiating complex, high‑value agreements with measurable savings.
• Demonstrable experience of packaging Statement of Work and leading RFI's / RFP's
• Strong understanding of IT service delivery models, offshore operations, and technology infrastructure.
• CIPS or other relevant outsourcing accreditations are desirable.
• Experience managing contracts, SLAs, and performance frameworks in IT environments.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills, including experience at senior levels.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Familiarity with regulatory, compliance, and vendor management systems.

We are looking to conduct interviews WC 12/01 via Teams, please apply if you are interested.