Senior Commercial Director, National Rail Project Leader

Cipher Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cipher Search has been retained to appoint a Senior Commercial Director to lead all commercial activity on a nationally significant UK rail infrastructure programme in London. You will own the commercial performance from strategy through to final account and oversee a 45-strong team.

The role requires deep contract knowledge, including NEC Option F, and the ability to navigate a high-profile, politically sensitive environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as Commercial Lead for a Tier 1 main contractor or delivery consultancy on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with ability to develop and implement strategy at programme level.
• Detailed knowledge of construction contracts, including NEC (Option F), FIDIC and IChemE.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and develop high performing commercial teams.
• Credibility and stakeholder skills to manage senior client relationships with confidence.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership through development and implementation of commercial strategy aligned to the wider business plan.
• Own the financial management of the programme, including budgets, cash flow, forecasting and overall financial performance.
• Lead contract negotiations with clients, driving satisfactory commercial outcomes while protecting relationships and customer experience.
• Take full accountability for a team of 45, including recruitment strategy, coaching, mentoring and rectification of underperformance.
• Ensure commercial processes, procurement policy and supply chain compliance are embedded and consistently applied across all relevant projects.
• Manage, reduce and drive out unnecessary cost and inefficiency, verify monthly financial reporting and ensure prompt resolution of final accounts.
• Provide commercial, contractual, insurance and legal guidance to the project, sector and wider business.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Contract knowledge

Job description

Cipher Search has been retained to appoint a Senior Commercial Director to lead all commercial activity on a nationally significant UK rail infrastructure programme in London. You will own the commercial performance from strategy through to final account and oversee a 45-strong team.

The role requires deep contract knowledge, including NEC Option F, and the ability to navigate a high-profile, politically sensitive environment.