Senior Commercial Manager

Network Rail; Moor Side; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway company is seeking a driven commercial manager to oversee strategic commercial initiatives and contract management within the Transpennine Route Upgrade. The ideal candidate will have expertise in railway contract conditions, a degree or equivalent qualification, and at least five years of relevant experience. You will manage commercial risks, lead negotiations, and ensure compliance with railway standards, all while fostering a results-oriented team environment.

Benefits

75% discount off leisure travel

75% discount on season tickets

Qualifications

• 5 years relevant railway and/or construction experience.
• Experience of resolution of construction contract disputes.
• Knowledge of railway commercial contract management.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement appropriate commercial strategies.
• Provide commercial management of framework agreements.
• Lead the negotiation of all prices under existing contracts.

Skills

Knowledge of railway and construction industry conditions of contract

Experienced negotiator

Good communication skills both written and oral

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent and professional qualification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering impactful business outcomes. The ideal candidate will be confident, results-oriented, and possess deep expertise in their field, along with a proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team.

Responsibilities

1. Establish and implement appropriate commercial strategies including effective project cost management and provide feedback into subsequent procurement processes.


2. Provide commercial management of framework agreements and supporting contracts leading the commercial review of contractor delivery, attending valuation and progress meetings as necessary.


3. Initiate estimating and risk and value management of projects in a timely manner during the project life-cycle, recommending appropriate mitigating actions on commercial/risk events at the earliest opportunity.


4. Lead the negotiation of all prices under existing contracts/framework agreements (including the negotiation of target costs) and fully participate in the associated Quantitative Risk Assessment and Value Management Workshops.


5. Monitor and manage all project reporting such that it is accurately maintained and recorded in accordance with company reporting systems. Explain all variances to outturns, period forecasts, AFCs and budget/authority to Commercial Director, to manage the post-contract commercial contract management and support pre-contract activity of all frameworks and contracts related to the programme of works, proposing mitigating actions at the earliest opportunity.


6. Lead and deploy the commercial team in the management of all live projects ensuring they are adequately resourced from a commercial perspective.


7. Provide pro-active expertise, advice and governance on all contract/scope changes in accordance with change control systems, recommending or authorising appropriate action within delegated authority and progressing the timely resolution of contract variations.


8. Manage all commercial correspondence and contractual notices issued in accordance with contractual conditions to confirm whether Network Rail’s contractual position is clearly defined.


9. Identify emerging problems, report contractual claims and support in the management and resolution of legal and/or commercial disputes in conjunction with Functional management as appropriate.


10. Establish appropriate compliance controls and audit regimes to achieve adherence to Network Rail’s relevant procedures, Group and company standards.


11. Lead the final account settlements on all projects to manage close out as per the project authority, project plan and within agreed timescales. Monitor all multi-year framework agreements, to agreement and reconciled annual accounts within 6 months of each year-end.


12. Support demonstration of efficiencies and continual improvement of estimating by undertaking cost analysis of completed projects and feedback as per Cost Allocation Feedback process.


13. Support with pre and post contract procurement activities as appropriate acting as role model for commercial staff, providing coaching and development as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of railway and construction industry conditions of contract


• Educated to degree level or equivalent and professional qualification


• Experienced negotiator


• Experience of resolution of construction contract disputes


• 5 years relevant railway and/or construction experience


• Knowledge of railway commercial contract management


• It would be advantageous: Experience of managing and developing a team of staff


• Good communication skills both written and oral


• Experience of contractors accounts

Context

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a 10.7 billion Programme of activities that is improving the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. Stretching across the North of England, this key 76-mile Transpennine railway serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under 285 bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 11 level crossings. Proposed improvements as will deliver a hard-working, reliable railway for passengers, allowing for trains with more seats, more services and faster journey times.

Employee benefits

Employees will be entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel this includes off peak and super off-peak tickets. Employees will also be entitled to 75% discount on season tickets.

Salary

Salary: 55,596 to 65,966 per annum