Commercial Strategy & Engagement Manager

Please note this is an OD vacancy and only impacted colleagues who are at risk or placed in a pool will be considered for this role. If you are at risk or in a pool, you will be asked to confirm this in the application process. 

Applications from candidates who are not at risk or in a pool will be declined at this stage. The role may be re-advertised in future as a standard vacancy open to all internal candidates. 

Role title:  Commercial Strategy & Engagement Manager

Function: Commercial Strategy

Number of reports: 1

Work level: WL5

Role Summary

• The Commercial Strategy & Engagement Manager is accountable for shaping, translating and delivering the commercial strategy through a coherent portfolio of initiatives across the buying and commercial functions. The role ensures that Group‑level strategic intent is translated into clear priorities, engagement plans and executable activity for buyers.
• Combining strategy, engagement and portfolio accountability, the role acts as the internal integrator between strategic ambition and operational delivery. It ensures focus, alignment and disciplined execution of the commercial agenda.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Engagement

• Shape and articulate the commercial strategy in alignment with Group‑level objectives. Translate strategic priorities into clear outcomes and direction for buying teams.
• Lead engagement with senior buyers to embed strategy into ways of working and decision‑making.
• Provide strategic thinking and support to the Commercial Strategy Director.

Portfolio Ownership & Delivery

• Own the commercial strategy portfolio, ensuring initiatives are prioritised, resourced and sequenced effectively.
• Establish clear scope, ownership and delivery expectations for strategic initiatives.
• Lead portfolio governance, progress reviews and performance discussions.
• Intervene or escalate where delivery is at risk or misaligned to strategy.

Governance & Assurance

• Ensure robust portfolio governance, reporting and assurance disciplines are in place.
• Use insight and performance data to track progress and benefits realisation.
• Line manage and direct the Strategy & Portfolio Coordinator.

Freedom to make decisions

• Authority to design and manage the commercial strategy portfolio & commercial capacity.  
• Autonomy to prioritise, sequence and challenge initiatives within agreed guardrails.  
• Ability to recommend strategic trade‑offs and investment decisions. 

Key relationships and influence

• Commercial Strategy Director. 
• Group Strategy teams. 
• Senior buyers and category leadership. 
• Strategy & Portfolio Coordinator. 
• Finance and performance teams.

Planning horizon

• Medium‑term: annual and multi‑year commercial strategy delivery. 
• Short‑term: active portfolio management and execution confidence. 
• Long‑term: supporting evolution of commercial capability and focus.

Skills knowledge and experience

• Commercial strategy, buying and retail operating models. 
• Portfolio management and governance disciplines. 
• Strategic thinking with a strong delivery mindset. 
• Stakeholder engagement and influence. 
• Prioritisation and decision‑making in complex environments. 
• Experience in commercial strategy, portfolio or transformation roles. 
• Track record of translating strategy into delivered outcomes.