Commercial Manager – Electrical Systems - Chicago

talisman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Commercial Manager to oversee subcontract administration for a large-scale rail project in Chicago. The successful candidate will manage commercial risks, ensure contractual alignment, and support systems integration processes. Applicants should have 10-15 years of experience in commercial management within major infrastructure projects. This role offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 to $160,000 annually and is full-time with a focus on project management and supply chain.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in commercial management or contract administration on major rail or infrastructure projects.
• Solid understanding of systems integration and their contractual implications.
• Experience on Design-Build or Joint Venture projects valued at USD $200M+.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual administration of all Systems subcontracts.
• Manage variations, claims, and extensions of time in line with governance procedures.
• Support the Systems Engineering team in assessing commercial impacts of design changes.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract administration

Risk management

Systems integration

Education

Education in engineering, law, or construction management

Job description

Commercial Manager – Electrical Systems - Chicago

$140,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr

Our client is a world renowned business working on a large scale rail construction project. They are seeking a Commercial Manager to play a critical role in ensuring contractual and commercial alignment between the Systems Project Management Team and the broader Project Commercial function. This role supports the Lead Systems Integrator across variation management, claims, and interface coordination, ensuring consistency and commercial rigor across all Systems subcontracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual administration of all Systems subcontracts, including traction power, signaling, telecommunications, SCADA, and track systems.
• Manage contractual notices, variations, claims, and extensions of time (EOTs) in line with established commercial governance procedures.
• Identify, quantify, and proactively mitigate commercial and legal risks associated with systems integration and interface activities.
• Maintain accurate, auditable correspondence registers, risk logs, and contractual records.

Change Management & Systems Integration

• Support the Systems Engineering team in assessing the commercial impacts of design changes, FAT/SAT outcomes, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with Project Controls to align cost, schedule, and valuation impacts.
• Prepare, review, and substantiate Potential Change Orders (PCOs) and Change Orders prior to submission to the Project Commercial Manager.

Subcontractor Commercial Management

• Draft and issue contractual correspondence and formal notices to protect contractual entitlements.
• Review and validate subcontractor invoices, progress claims, and supporting documentation.
• Manage the commercial close-out and final settlement of Systems subcontracts in accordance with JV procedures.

Reporting & Governance

• Provide clear, timely reporting on commercial status, risks, and variations within the Systems scope to both Systems and Project Commercial leadership.
• Ensure strict compliance with JV templates, approval workflows, and numbering conventions for PCOs, Change Orders, and claims.
• Support monthly commercial reporting, risk reviews, dashboards, and cost-to-complete updates.

For this role, you must have an education in engineering, law, construction management or related areas whilst having 10–15 years’ experience in commercial management or contract administration on major rail, metro, or complex infrastructure Design & Build projects.

You do not need to be an expert in the electrical systems, as there are experts who already understand those things that can support.

You do need to have a solid understanding of systems integration, testing, and commissioning processes and their contractual implications.

Ideally, you will have experience working on Design-Build or Joint Venture projects valued at USD $200M+.

If you think you are a strong fit, then please click, Apply!

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Project Management and Supply Chain
Industries: Construction and Civil Engineering