Commercial Operations Manager

Smith Institute; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job description

Role Purpose

Smith Institute uses advanced mathematics, AI and data science to help customers do some amazing things – like balance the electricity grid, optimise satellite communications and safeguard multi-billion-dollar 5G spectrum auctions.

The Smith Institute Commercial Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in the success of our growing advanced mathematics, data science, and AI consultancy. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and improving our business development & marketing operations processes, including building efficient systems and dashboards, managing contracts, and supporting effective communication and collaboration. You will work closely with our commercial team, technical team, project managers, and legal contacts, helping us achieve our mission of creating impact through mathematics and AI.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in sales or commercial operations management, a strong understanding of business metrics, exceptional communication skills, and a keen eye for detail.

Role Duties

Commercial Operations Management:

• Oversee and improve end-to-end commercial operations, including processes and policies, lead management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Create and maintain effective commercial dashboards. Analyse commercial data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for process optimisation, revenue growth and conversion rates.
• Collaborate with commercial team to streamline administrative processes and enable focus on revenue generation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement commercial tools, systems, and workflows.
• Maintain our CRM system, ensuring accurate and timely recording of commercial activities, contracts, and related documentation.
• Provide training and support to commercial team members and the wider organisation on tools, processes, and CRM.
• Organise team meetings, strategy workshops, and learning and development activities.
• Support template creation and bid writing/management, as necessary.

Contract and Framework Management:

• Lead contract review and support negotiation processes with clients and vendors, ensuring terms align with company interests and risk tolerance.
• Analyse and evaluate commercial agreements, identifying potential risks and unfavourable terms requiring modification, which should be escalated to the Chief Commercial Officer.
• Track and manage contracts and frameworks - including applications, review, and renewal cycle.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel as necessary to ensure contract terms align with company policies, strategies, and compliance requirements.
• Support development of IP strategies and routes to commercialisation.
• Work closely with project managers to ensure smooth transition from contract signing to project initiation, making sure team members are aware of relevant contract terms.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster strong working relationships with the commercial team, technical team, operations, project managers, external legal counsel, company leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with our Operations Manager to support effective short- and long-term resourcing strategies and to evolve our commercial quality management processes and policies.
• Collaborate regularly and effectively with Marketing and BD to support efficiency and achievement of KPIs.
• Communicate effectively with partners and clients where necessary.

Key Attributes:

Necessary qualifications, skills and experience:

• Degree in a technical field, business administration, marketing, or related.
• At least three years of professional experience in commercial or sales operations management, business development or similar, preferably in a consultancy or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and optimising commercial processes and CRM systems.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in commercial performance metrics.
• Strong understanding of Smith Institute business and the benefits of applying advanced mathematics, data science, and AI techniques to real world challenges.
• Teamwork, multi-tasking, and distributed working.

Experience in some but not all of the following would also be expected:

• CRM usage and development, particularly Hubspot.
• Proven track record in commercial contract management and negotiation, with demonstrated ability to secure favourable terms.
• Strong understanding of commercial law principles and contractual liability.
• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation strategies within commercial agreements.

Why work at the Smith Institute?

• Flexible working for all – work your contracted hours at times that best suit you and our customers, at home, in the office or as a mixture of both.
• Health and well-being support – Smith Institute provides up to three months’ contractual sick pay, have qualified Mental Health First Aiders, a Mindful Employer Plus membership and offer additional leave allowance to care for close family members.
• Social events – most months our Social Committee organise events and we also have ongoing activities, including pub socials, a book club, a fantasy football league and a board games library.
• Employee benefits – employee discount platform and Employee assistance programme.
• Enhanced leave – bereavement, dependency, maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.
• Mentoring – from colleagues and leading academics.
• Generous pension scheme with Life Assurance and income protection.
• All IT equipment provided and maintained.
• Interesting and challenging work with purpose.

Further details

We operate an Equal Opportunities Policy. We currently have a rolling recruitment programme so applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a view to interviewing selected candidates when sufficient numbers are shortlisted. We hope to make appointments as soon as possible thereafter.