Commercial Analyst

Alternative Futures Group is the North West’s largest Mental Health and Learning Disability charity.

With a strong track record over 30 years, we work locally in the community and through our Treatment and Recovery Centres to provide a wide range of innovative and bespoke care services.

We have a vision to create a world where people control their lives.  Here at AFG, we pride ourselves on helping the people we support to design, develop and ‘own’ the support they receive by planning this with them; we support people to make informed choices and increase their own independence; and we support people to maintain their own health, wellbeing and living environment.  These principles are really important to us.

As a ‘values based’ employer, the people that work for us genuinely care about the people they support, and we are seeking likeminded people to join our AFG family.  If you are passionate about working in Health and Social Care and have a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support then we would love to hear from you.

At AFG we also recognise the contribution and value that our staff make.  We would not be able to provide the life changing support that we do without people like you! 

In return for your contribution we will support you throughout your career and we provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development and lifestyle support services to ensure that you too feel supported, fulfilled and valued from day one of your employment with us.

Job Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to deliver a broad programme of market and commercial research and analysis to underpin AFG’s growth ambitions and to manage AFG’s commercial risks.

The role will shape and deliver a comprehensive and systematic approach to market analysis whilst also ensuring that AFG’s contractual obligations are clearly documented and understood.

About the Role

This is a strategically important role as AFG aim to positively impact more lives and drive business growth both in its current geographies and in new geographies.

The role will ensure that AFG’s growth plans are informed by high-quality research and analysis. This will include geographical analysis, the systematic review of key competitors, and key market trends both regionally and nationally.

The role will also ensure that key information is available to decision-makers covering existing contracts with commissioners and Service Level Agreements with housing partners.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed programme of market research and analysis linked to AFG’s growth plans.
• Deliver a range of geographically focused reviews covering both current geographies and new ones.
• Deliver a range of competitor reviews including annual and quarterly reports and deep dives into competitor developments.
• Review market trends both nationally and regionally, drawing from multiple trusted data sources.
• Ensure regular updates to contract summaries and databases relating to agreements with our Housing Partners.
• Provide impactful reports and infographics for providing key information to the AFG Board (for example the Corporate Scorecard).
• Network with relevant people in health & social care who also work in senior analytical roles.
• Present high-quality presentations and reports on a regular basis to the AFG Executive Team and others involved in business growth.
• Respond to ad-hoc requests from senior management for reports covering the above items.
• Where required, commission specialist external research from suitable companies.

Person Specification - Essential Requirements: 

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong ability to present complex information clearly.
• Able to write persuasive and insightful reports for a senior audience.
• Excellent skills in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Able to synthesise information from multiple sources – websites, social media, reports.
• Knowledge of public sector contracts.
• Confident presenter.
• Willing to learn about AFG’s market and services quickly.
• Strong team player.
• Self-directed and proactive.

Experience

• Three years’ experience in a market analysis or business development role.
• Experience and understanding of the health and social care including supported living.
• Proven experience in enabling business growth in a commercial organisation.
• Experience of reviewing commercial contracts.

Other

• Will be required to travel within the North West (needs to be able to drive with access to own vehicle, this role is home based).

This role is Band III as per our structure.