Senior Commercial Manager – Rail Infrastructure
Salary: £140k
Benefits: 20% bonus, Executive level car allowance/Salary sacrifice, Family healthcare, generous pension.
Location: London
Sector: Rail
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Senior Commercial Manager to join a leading team within the UK rail sector. Based in London, this role is pivotal in driving commercial performance and delivery across major, high-profile rail infrastructure programs.
The Senior Commercial Manager will take overall responsibility for the commercial management, financial governance, and contract administration of key rail schemes.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the successful candidate will lead commercial teams, manage project cash flows, oversee supply chains, and ensure strict compliance with project objectives and budgetary constraints.
This role features a significant client-facing element.
The Senior Commercial Manager will act as the key commercial ambassador for the business, building strong, strategic relationships with major rail clients, local authorities, and key industry stakeholders.
This position offers the chance to play a leading role on some of the UK’s most critical transport infrastructure projects. A highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive benefits, and clear avenues for further career progression within a dynamic environment are provided.
The Role
Oversee the end-to-end commercial management of complex rail projects from inception through to completion and final accounts.
Lead client communications, serving as the primary commercial contact and leading commercial negotiation meetings.
Administer, manage, and provide expert guidance on contract mechanisms, variation processes, risk assessments, and dispute management.
Manage, coach, and develop a team of commercial staff, setting high performance standards and providing mentoring.
Monitor project performance against budget, preparing regular commercial reports, CVRs, and forecasts for senior executive review.
Protect the organisation’s commercial interests while fostering collaborative and transparent client relationships.
The Person
Rail Sector Experience: A proven track record of managing commercial activities on large-scale UK rail projects (e.g., Network Rail, HS2, TfL, or major Tier 1 contractors).
NEC Contract Expertise: Extensive, in-depth experience working with NEC contracts (specifically NEC3 and NEC4 Options A, B, and C). Deep knowledge of NEC mechanisms, compensation events, early warnings, and target cost frameworks is essential.
Client Engagement: Exceptional client-facing capabilities, with demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management, commercial negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Qualifications: A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline. Full membership of a relevant professional body (such as MRICS or MCInstCES) is highly desirable.
Unfortunately, due to our high number of applications we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you do not hear back within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Please email your CV to info@alfa-executive.com quoting ref JP/ALFA/SCM