Rail Programme Commercial Manager

Triumph Consultants Ltd; York; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a highly experienced Programme Commercial Manager to oversee all commercial, procurement, finance, and investment activities across a major infrastructure programme. The role requires expertise in railway or construction contract management and a strong leadership background. Key responsibilities include developing commercial strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. This position offers hybrid working, balancing office presence in London or York with remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in railway and/or construction commercial contract management.
• Proven leader and negotiator with strong track record in commercial strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial management activities for timely project delivery.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Commercial Strategy.
• Oversee resolution of legal and commercial disputes.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Commercial Management

Procurement Strategy

Contract Management

Job description

Hybrid working 3 days per week in the office in either London or York

We are seeking a highly experienced Programme Commercial Manager to take strategic ownership of all Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Investment activities across a major infrastructure programme. The role requires deep expertise in railway and/or construction commercial contract management, including the application of industry-standard conditions of contract, dispute resolution, and robust post-contract oversight. The successful candidate will be a proven leader and negotiator, with a strong track record in developing and executing commercial and procurement strategies, managing high-performing teams, and ensuring alignment with regulatory and investment frameworks. A key focus will be on driving value for money, managing supplier relationships, and supporting the successful delivery of complex work packages through proactive financial and commercial governance.

Key accountabilities:

• Lead all commercial management activities, ensuring alignment with the Programme Director on contract strategies to enable timely and efficient project delivery.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Commercial Strategy for the Programme, including a work packaging plan and robust cost management processes.
• Design and execute a Procurement Strategy, covering contractor and consultant selection processes. Agree supplier engagement models for each work package with the Programme Director, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act.
• Oversee resolution of legal and commercial disputes within area of expertise, working closely with functional commercial management and the Programme Director.
• Ensure the accuracy and clarity of all Programme financial and commercial reports. Review financial variances, ensuring thorough investigation and accurate reporting to the Programme Finance Director and Programme Director, with clear mitigation strategies.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance financial and commercial strategies to support Programme objectives.
• Verify appropriate financial authority and budget allocation across all work packages, ensuring compliance with Investment Regulations.
• Establish and maintain control and audit frameworks to ensure compliance.

Key criteria:

• Knowledge of the use and application of railway and / or construction industry conditions of contract
• Experienced staff manager and negotiator
• Demonstrate experience of resolution of construction contract disputes and robust post contract management
• Knowledge of railway commercial contract management and estimating
• Demonstrable experience of actively building internal and external networks and partnering across functions and boundaries
• Demonstrable experience of coaching and addressing team and individual capability requirements
• Demonstrable experience of assessing the impact of decisions on customers, with consideration of value for money and business priorities
• Experience of the management and review of contractor’s interim and final accounts (desirable).