Public Sector Resourcing
Senior Commercial Manager

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DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS
On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Commercial Manager - Inside IR35 for a 12 months contract based Hybrid working (3 days per week in Crew, Bletchley, Birmingham or Manchester and remaining WFH)
Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!
The main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Manager would be to:
- Oversee contract administration, ensuring adherence to internal and external assurance, governance, and regulatory standards. Utilise systems such as BravoNR, I-procurement and Oracle for spend management.
- Manage cost reporting, comparing performance against forecasts and budgets for the HS1 project or where support elsewhere in the business is required. Present findings to Programme Managers and Project Directors periodically, covering aspects like Cost Forecasting, Anticipated Final Cost, Cost of Work Done, Gross Billing, and Current Contract Value.
- Monitor and report on all commercial aspects of allocated projects, identifying issues early and proposing mitigation strategies to relevant stakeholders.
- Support the evaluation of medium-value/medium-risk contracts, attend progress meetings, and influence contractors' commercial behaviours to ensure alignment with project objectives.
- Assist the Project Managers on proposed scope changes, recommend appropriate actions following Network Rail's change control systems, and prepare necessary documentation for approval within delegated authority levels.
- Prepare applications for payment or invoices to external clients as per relevant funding agreements, including necessary supporting documentation.
- Identify and provide advice on commercial risks and claims, supporting the resolution of contractual issues and negotiations.
- Documentation and Compliance: Generate appropriate commercial correspondence
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Essential:
- Significant commercial management experience within rail, infrastructure, construction, or engineering projects.
- Advanced NEC3/NEC4 contract management experience, including compensation events and change control.
- Proven experience managing project budgets, cost forecasting, AFC, and financial reporting.
- Strong procurement and contract administration experience across the full commercial lifecycle.
- Demonstrable experience identifying and mitigating commercial risks, claims, and contractual disputes.
- Ability to influence suppliers, contractors, and project stakeholders to achieve commercial objectives.
- Proficient in commercial delivery systems such as Oracle, SAP, I-Procurement, BravoNR, or equivalent enterprise platforms.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Please note that Network Rail has a maximum 90-minute commute policy for all staff to the specified location for this role.
Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.


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Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, Network Rail encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Network Rail welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Posting ID: PSR1JP00106889
- Type of employment: Contract
- Organisation: Network Rail
- Contract duration: 12 months
- Location: Milton Keynes
- Workplace Type: Hybrid
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