Commercial Lead - PMCM

WSP in the U.S.; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 137,017 - 205,525; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Thrive wellbeing program

Flexible working

Training & chartership

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Commercial Lead within its PMCM Rail and Infrastructure Ireland practice. You will establish and grow the commercial management capability, lead client engagements and shape growth across major rail and infrastructure programmes.

The role requires senior leadership, strategic insight and the ability to drive governance, risk management and contract administration across NEC, FIDIC and bespoke arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading commercial management services in major transport, rail or infrastructure programmes.
• Proven ability to advise clients on complex projects and programmes with strong commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated track record in developing client relationships and securing new business opportunities.
• Experience building, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams and leading multidisciplinary groups.
• Knowledge of contract administration, procurement, risk management and governance.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead WSP’s commercial management capability within Ireland.
• Develop and implement a growth strategy aligned with PMCM and Transport sector ambitions.
• Recruit, mentor and develop commercial professionals to create a high‑performing team culture.
• Provide senior commercial leadership on major infrastructure and transportation programmes.
• Lead advisory services including cost assurance, procurement support and contract governance.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Client relationships

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Team development

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

NEC & FIDIC contracts

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Global Leader in Transport & Infrastructure Consulting. WSP is a leading consultancy in the planning, design and delivery of transport and infrastructure solutions that support sustainable growth and resilient communities worldwide. Our global community of professionals brings together civil and structural engineers, digital specialists and programme delivery experts working collaboratively to combine best practice with strong local insight. We form agile, multi‑disciplinary teams to address the unique technical and societal challenges of each project.

Ireland is entering a transformational period of investment in rail, public transport and major infrastructure. With significant programmes planned and underway across the sector, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to play a leading role in establishing and growing WSP’s commercial management capability in Ireland.

A Little More About Your Role

You will join WSP’s Project Management and Commercial Management (PMCM) Rail and Infrastructure business, a growing team that provides programme management, project management, commercial management, estimating, project controls and advisory services across major transport and infrastructure programmes.

As Commercial Lead you will be responsible for establishing, leading and growing WSP’s commercial management capability across the Irish rail, transport and infrastructure sectors. This is a strategic leadership role combining client engagement, commercial consultancy, team development and business growth. Ireland is entering a transformational period of investment in rail and infrastructure, creating significant opportunities across major programmes and capital projects. Working closely with colleagues across Ireland and the wider UK PMCM business, you will play a leading role in positioning WSP as a trusted commercial management partner to public and private sector clients.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who wants to combine technical excellence, client relationship management and business growth. You will have the autonomy to develop client relationships, influence major programmes, shape a growing team and contribute directly to the development of WSP’s PMCM business in Ireland.

Reporting to the PMCM leadership team, you will provide strategic commercial leadership across bids, projects and client commissions, supporting the successful delivery of commercial management, contract administration, estimating, procurement and commercial assurance services. You will also act as a trusted adviser to clients and colleagues, helping to manage risk, improve commercial performance and deliver successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Capability Development

• Establish and lead WSP’s commercial management capability within the Ireland business.
• Develop and implement a growth strategy aligned with WSP’s wider PMCM and Transport sector ambitions.
• Recruit, mentor and develop commercial management professionals, creating a high‑performing and collaborative team culture.
• Promote technical excellence, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across commercial management services.
• Work closely with PMCM, Transport and Infrastructure leadership teams across the UK and Ireland.

Client and Business Development

• Develop trusted relationships with key clients, stakeholders and industry partners across the Irish transport and infrastructure market.
• Identify, shape and secure opportunities for commercial management, estimating, project controls and advisory services.
• Support strategic pursuits, framework opportunities and major bid submissions.
• Contribute to account management activities and help grow WSP’s market presence across rail, transport and infrastructure sectors.
• Represent WSP at industry events, client forums and professional networks.

Commercial Consultancy and Project Delivery

• Provide senior commercial leadership on major infrastructure and transportation programmes.
• Lead the provision of commercial management services including contract administration, procurement support, change management, cost assurance, claims management and commercial governance.
• Support clients in developing robust commercial strategies, risk‑management approaches and project delivery frameworks.
• Provide expert advice on standard forms of contract including NEC, FIDIC and bespoke commercial arrangements.
• Support the resolution of commercial issues, disputes and settlement negotiations where required.
• Ensure high standards of service delivery, governance and commercial performance across all commissions.

Operational Excellence

• Support the effective management of project financial performance and resource planning.
• Drive consistency, quality and best practice across commercial management services.
• Monitor commercial risks and opportunities, ensuring appropriate mitigation and reporting.
• Contribute to business planning, forecasting and performance management activities.
• Champion safe, sustainable and collaborative delivery practices throughout the business.

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate

• A proven track record of leading commercial management services within major transport, rail or infrastructure environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience advising clients on complex projects and programmes.
• Demonstrable experience developing client relationships and securing new business opportunities.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
• Experience delivering commercial management services across the full project lifecycle.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver practical solutions and tangible outcomes.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style aligned with WSP’s values and culture.

Professional Experience

• Significant experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, cost management or related commercial disciplines.
• Experience working on major transport, rail, infrastructure or capital delivery programmes.
• Strong understanding of commercial governance, procurement, contract administration and risk management.
• Demonstrable experience working under NEC, FIDIC and other recognised forms of contract.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships at a senior level.
• Relevant degree qualification together with appropriate professional membership (RICS, ICES, CIOB or equivalent).
• Experience within the Irish infrastructure and transportation sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: WSP offers a hybrid working policy with flexibility to work from home two days a week and opportunities to collaborate in modern offices.

Inclusivity & Belonging: WSP welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging people to bring their whole authentic selves to work.

Health & Wellbeing: WSP supports health and wellbeing through the Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a gymflex scheme and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP offers “WSP My Hour” allowing one hour each day for personal activities, part‑time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave purchase options and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement.

Your development: WSP invests in training, mentoring and chartership for your growth.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.