Senior Commercial Manager

At the Eastern Region Commercial Directorate, we are seeking talented individuals to join our expanding team and collaborate with various business units across a diverse and extensive portfolio. Opportunities exist to support and lead commercial activities on significant projects and programmes that contribute to some of the UK's most exciting and innovative infrastructure developments. You will also be involved in smaller-scale, high-volume reactive works essential for keeping the railway operational and supporting business-critical functions.

The Eastern Region Commercial Team is committed to continuous improvement and fostering a learning culture. We offer career development opportunities for all, enabling individuals with the right skills, enthusiasm, and behaviours to make a tangible impact on our commercial, supply chain, and governance practices. Furthermore, we contribute to wider industry objectives, such as sustainable supply chains and carbon net zero targets, ensuring no two days are the same.

We are proud of our commitment to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that inclusive teams make better decisions, foster 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 are passionate about making a difference and believe you possess the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we would be delighted to hear from you. We are dedicated to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Your unique perspective and experience could be vital in ensuring Britain continues to move safely and sustainably.

About the Role: Senior Commercial Manager

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for providing strategic commercial leadership across major programmes, portfolios, or business functions. Your role will be crucial in ensuring the successful delivery of organisational objectives through effective commercial management, governance, and risk control. You will lead the development and implementation of commercial strategies, procurement approaches, and contract management plans designed to maximize value, support business priorities, and safeguard the organisation's commercial interests.

You will offer expert advice to stakeholders, manage complex contractual and commercial issues, drive performance and continuous improvement, and ensure adherence to relevant legislation, policy, and governance requirements. As we continue to invest in Britain's railway and prepare for the transition to Great British Railways, you will play a pivotal role in shaping commercial strategy, driving value for money, managing risk, and developing high-performing commercial teams.

Locations:

• Derby
• London (Stratford)
• Manchester
• York

Please specify your preferred location as part of your application.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading the commercial management of high-profile rail infrastructure projects from inception through to final account settlement.
• Collaborating closely with project teams, contractors, and senior stakeholders.
• Developing commercial strategies, overseeing contract and framework management, and managing risk and change control.
• Ensuring robust financial governance across your portfolio.
• Conducting complex negotiations and resolving commercial challenges.
• Supporting procurement activities and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• 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, with a professional qualification.
• Proven experience as an experienced negotiator.
• Experience in the resolution of construction contract disputes.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant railway and/or construction experience.
• Knowledge of railway commercial contract management.

What's In It For You:

• 28 days annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Access to a range of contributory pension schemes.
• Potential to supplement your competitive salary with a bonus.
• Subsidized travel with up to 75% off rail and underground season tickets.
• Privileged staff travel with discretionary leisure travel discounts of 75%.
• Season ticket loan availability, with discounted annual season tickets.
• A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options.
• Hybrid working where feasible, with enhanced family-friendly support.
• Access to healthcare offers, discounted cycle hire, and online shopping discounts.
• 5 days of paid volunteering leave.
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.