Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Commercial Director to lead and develop Meaningful lives devision's commercial strategy and business development activity. The post-holder will be responsible for supporting sustainable organisational growth, strengthening stakeholder and commissioner relationships, identifying new business opportunities and ensuring commercial decisions align with the organisation’s values, quality standards and strategic objectives. This role requires strong commercial leadership, sound knowledge of health and social care markets, and the ability to balance growth, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for people supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and visible commercial leadership across the organisation, ensuring business development activity supports organisational values, service quality and long-term sustainability.

• Develop and implement the commercial strategy, business development plan and growth objectives in line with organisational priorities and market opportunities.

• Identify, evaluate and pursue new business opportunities across adult social care, complex care, supported living, community care and related regulated services.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, NHS organisations, integrated care systems, commissioners, housing providers, healthcare professionals and other strategic partners.

• Lead the preparation and submission of tenders, bids, expressions of interest, framework applications and contract proposals, ensuring high-quality and commercially viable submissions.

• Monitor commissioning trends, competitor activity, regulatory developments and changes in health and social care markets to inform commercial planning and service development.

• Work closely with operational, finance, quality and clinical colleagues to assess the feasibility, risks, costs and benefits of new services and commercial opportunities.

• Develop pricing strategies, financial models and commercial proposals that support value for money, service quality and sustainable margins.

• Lead contract negotiations, renewals and variations, ensuring agreements are commercially sound, clearly documented and aligned with regulatory and operational requirements.

• Oversee contract mobilisation and implementation activity, ensuring new services are launched effectively, safely and in accordance with agreed specifications.

• Monitor commercial performance against revenue targets, budgets, key performance indicators, contract requirements and organisational objectives.

• Prepare regular commercial reports, market analysis, forecasts and recommendations for senior leadership and governance meetings.

• Support the development of compelling service propositions, marketing materials, presentations and communications for commissioners, partners and other stakeholders.

• Ensure all commercial activity reflects CQC requirements, safeguarding responsibilities, contractual obligations, information governance and relevant health and social care legislation.

• Identify and manage commercial, financial, contractual and reputational risks, escalating concerns and implementing appropriate mitigation plans.

• Contribute to organisational strategy, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and service development initiatives where appropriate.

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout commercial activity, ensuring proposed services reflect the needs, rights and aspirations of the people supported.

Person Specification

• Substantial senior commercial, business development or strategic partnerships experience within health, social care, supported living, healthcare or another regulated service environment.

• Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering commercial strategies, growth plans and new business opportunities.

• Strong understanding of adult social care commissioning, local authority and NHS procurement processes, contract management and competitive tendering.

• Proven track record of preparing successful bids, tenders, framework applications and commercial proposals.

• Experience of negotiating and managing contracts, service-level agreements, partnership arrangements and complex commercial terms.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience of pricing, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and assessing return on investment.

• Knowledge of CQC requirements, safeguarding, health and social care legislation and the quality standards relevant to regulated care services.

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and commissioners.

• Strong analytical and market research abilities, including the capacity to interpret data, assess risk and make evidence-based commercial decisions.

• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive bids, reports, proposals and board-level documentation.

• Strategic, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to identify opportunities while maintaining appropriate commercial and regulatory oversight.

• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to work effectively across operational, finance, quality, clinical and corporate functions.

• Proficient in using IT systems, CRM platforms, Microsoft Office applications, financial tools and data analysis systems.

• Commitment to person-centred care, ethical business practice, equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for all people supported.

• Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references as part of pre-employment checks.

• Flexible approach to working, including travel between services and occasional evening or weekend availability when commercially or operationally required.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

• Contributory pension scheme.

• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and leadership development opportunities.

• Supportive organisational culture and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

• Opportunities to shape the future growth and development of Yorkshire Community Care.

• Opportunities for career progression within Yorkshire Community Care and across our services.