Senior Commercial Managers

Network Rail; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Contributory pension schemes

Bonus potential

Season ticket discount

Job summary

Network Rail in the North West & Central region is seeking Senior Commercial Managers for a strategic talent pool. You will provide leadership across major rail programmes, shape commercial strategies and manage contracts to maximise value while protecting the organisation's interests.

You will influence senior stakeholders, lead teams, and drive governance and continuous improvement in a dynamic rail environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of railway conditions of contract.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent and professional qualification.
• Experienced negotiator.
• Experience of resolution of construction contract disputes 5 years' railway and/or construction experience.
• Knowledge of railway commercial contract management.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management of high-profile rail infrastructure projects from inception through to final account settlement.
• Develop commercial strategies, oversee contract and framework management, manage risk and change control, and ensure robust financial governance across your portfolio.
• Lead complex negotiations, resolve commercial challenges, support procurement activities and drive continuous improvement, while providing leadership to the commercial team.

Skills

Negotiation

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Education

Degree level or equivalent and professional qualification

Job description

Senior Commercial Managers (Talent Pool)

Locations:

Birmingham (including Smethwick), Liverpool, Manchester (including Stockport) and Preston. As part of your application, you will be asked to specify which location you are applying for.

Salary:

£55,596 - £67,813 depending on experience.

Who We Are

North West & Central (NW&C), one of Network Rail's largest devolved regions, is strengthening its Commercial team at a pivotal time for the railway. Spanning the West Coast mainline, NW&C region plays a leading role in shaping, managing and delivering some of the most high-profile infrastructure projects across England.

You can learn more about North West & Central Region here: North West & Central region - Network Rail.

We're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail. Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

About the role

Looking to take the next step in your commercial career? We have launched this talent pool for Senior Commercial Managers to be responsible for providing strategic commercial leadership across major programmes, portfolios or business functions, ensuring the successful delivery of organisational objectives through effective commercial management, governance and risk control. The role leads the development and implementation of commercial strategies, procurement approaches and contract management plans to maximise value, support business priorities and protect the organisation's commercial interests.

You will provide expert advice to stakeholders, oversee complex contractual and commercial matters, drive performance and continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and governance requirements.

As we continue investing in Britain's railway and prepare for the transition to Great British Railways, you'll play a key role in shaping commercial strategy, driving value for money, managing risk and developing high-performing commercial teams.

Locations:

Birmingham (including Smethwick), Liverpool, Manchester (including Stockport) and Preston. As part of your application, you will be asked to specify which location you are applying for.

Salary:

£55,596 - £67,813 depending on experience.

Type:

This talent pool will cover both permanent and fixed-term opportunities.

Candidates should be comfortable with occasional travel to client sites, regional offices, or other business locations as needed.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a large volume of applications is received. Your details will be kept on record for a maximum of 6 months, unless express consent is received to keep them longer. Network Rail will contact you for this consent when appropriate.

What's in it for you

Here are a few of the benefits we have to offer:

• 28 days annual leave - with the opportunity to buy and/or sell up to 5 days
• Access to a range of contributory pension schemes
• The potential to top up your competitive salary with a bonus
• A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train
• Privileged staff travel - Discretionary leisure travel discount of 75%
• We can offer you a season ticket loan, annual season tickets are discounted
• A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options available to help support your work-life balance
• Hybrid working where possible and enhanced family-friendly support
• Take advantage of healthcare offers (including discounted healthcare club membership), discounted cycle hire and online shopping sites
• 5 days of paid volunteering leave
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community

Your experience and skills

What you'll be doing

While there may be specific role-related duties not listed here , in general you'll lead the commercial management of high-profile rail infrastructure projects from inception through to final account settlement.

Working closely with project teams, contractors and senior stakeholders, you'll develop commercial strategies, oversee contract and framework management, manage risk and change control, and ensure robust financial governance across your portfolio.

You'll lead complex negotiations, resolve commercial challenges, support procurement activities and drive continuous improvement, while providing leadership, coaching and development to commercial professionals within your team.

What you'll have:

• 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

As part of your application, you'll be asked to explain how your skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications meet the essential criteria.

We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be:

• Experience of managing and developing a team of staff
• Good communication skills both written and oral
• Experience of contractors accounts

Ideal For

The ideal Senior Commercial Manager will be an accomplished commercial leader with experience of managing complex contract commercial portfolios. They will demonstrate exceptional commercial acumen, strategic thinking and sound judgement, with a proven ability to develop and implement commercial strategies that deliver value for money while effectively managing risk and protecting organisational interests. The successful candidate will be a confident and influential leader, capable of building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, leading high-performing teams and driving a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. They will possess expert knowledge of procurement, contract management, commercial governance and dispute resolution, combined with strong negotiation skills and the ability to resolve complex commercial challenges. Above all, they will be a credible, resilient and results-driven professional who can provide strategic direction, inspire others and deliver successful outcomes across a dynamic and challenging business environment.