Commercial Manager

Randstad Construction and Property; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a highly experienced Commercial Manager to manage commercial aspects of significant rail infrastructure projects mainly focused on signalling systems. The role involves managing contracts, subcontractors, and financial reporting, requiring extensive experience in the rail sector. Applicants must hold expertise in NEC3/4 contracts and demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills. Contract role assessed as Outside IR35 and based in Birmingham.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the rail or heavy civils sector as a Commercial Manager.
• Deep understanding of commercial intricacies in the rail industry.
• Proven experience managing large-scale subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activities including contract management.
• Manage the commercial life cycle of subcontractors.
• Oversee project costs related to labour and contractors.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks.
• Provide timely financial reports to management.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Signalling systems expertise

Subcontractor management

Risk management

Financial reporting

Tools

NEC3/4 contracts

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you a highly experienced Commercial Manager with a proven track record in the rail sector? We're seeking a proactive and commercially astute freelance professional to join a multi-billion pound rail contracting business on a project basis. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise on some of the UK's most significant rail infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on signalling systems. This role is offered on a contract basis and is assessed as Outside IR35.

This is a hands-on role where you'll be responsible for managing all commercial aspects of our major projects, including tendering and contract negotiation through to final account settlement. You will act as the commercial guardian, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to maximum profitability. Your deep knowledge of the rail industry, particularly in complex signalling and infrastructure works, will be crucial.

Responsibilities

• Commercial & Contract Management: Lead all commercial activities, including reviewing, negotiating, and administering contracts, particularly those based on the NEC3/4 suite. Ensure compliance and manage change control processes effectively.
• Subcontractor Management: Manage the full commercial life cycle of subcontractors, from selection and vetting to performance management and resolution of commercial disputes. Build strong relationships while maintaining commercial rigour.
• Labour & Resource Control: Oversee project costs related to direct labour and specialist contractors, ensure efficient resource allocation, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify and mitigate commercial risks while pinpointing opportunities for added value and revenue generation.
• Financial Reporting: Provide accurate and timely commercial reports, forecasts, and financial data to senior management to inform strategic decision-making.

What We're Looking For

• Extensive experience as a Commercial Manager within the rail or heavy civils sectors, with a strong focus on signalling and infrastructure projects.
• A deep understanding of the commercial intricacies of the rail industry, including the challenges of integrated systems.
• Proven experience managing large-scale subcontractors and a diverse labour force.
• Expert knowledge of NEC3/4 and other standard forms of contract.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and exceptional negotiation skills.
• The ability to work autonomously and manage your own workload effectively.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.