Brief Description
The role advertised is to provide Commercial Support and guidance in support of the TRU central portfolio of projects by working in conjunction with the wider project teams, within this role you will be responsible for managing, several Commercials managers and Assistant commercial managers.
The TRU central portfolio of project is very diverse and covers a range of varying projects from rail depot enhancements, Train station platform extensions and upgrading/replacing existing track to make the routes more resilience due to increased traffic because of future TRU works.
Within the TRU Central portfolio we have two long term projects Which are both in their early stages of construction/design which are our Digital and W2BCprogrammes
Digital – This project will run for at least the next 10 years and is valued at circa £500m. the general scope of works is the introduction of Digital technology across the Full TRU route from Manchester to Leeds and the removal of Traditional Railway signalling. This project involves the changes to Infrastructure, in train cab fitment and Driver training.
W2BC – Aims to transforming the TransPennine main line to bring passengers more frequent, faster, greener trains, running on a better, cleaner, and more reliable railway. While some elements of the programme are still being designed and developed, our major programme of work continues, to bring better journeys for passengers across the Pennines and beyond. The W2BC project is a hub and spoke model as part of the main programme of TRU works, with 6 spokes to work with, the project spans over 10 years and has a budget of Circa £1.5bn.
The main responsibilities for this role will be to manage the post contract commercial contract management and support pre-contract activity of all frameworks and contracts related to the programme of works.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering impactful business outcomes. The ideal needs confidence to manage complex information, can work with uncertainty and work independently at times. The candidates need to be results-oriented, and possess deep expertise in their field, along with a proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team. This is an exciting and challenging Commercial role within an existing team structure to mentor and support your development. You will develop an understanding and capability of the TRU Commercial processes and procedures.
Key qualities:
1. Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial background with a proven ability to build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships.
2. Efficiency-Driven: Tenacious in pursuing efficiency across all stages of the contract lifecycle.
3. Results-Oriented: Committed to delivering high-quality outcomes while contributing to the overall success of the team.
4. Detail-Focused: Maintains a high level of accuracy and consistency across all workstreams and projects.
5. Highly Organised: Capable of managing multiple priorities effectively, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.
6. Leadership & Mentorship: Passionate about nurturing and developing junior team members, supporting growth within the commercial profession.
7. Strong Communicator: Confident and clear in communication, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organisation.
About the role (External)
Some of the key accountabilities of this role are:
1.Establish and implement appropriate commercial strategies including effective project cost management and provide feedback into subsequent procurement processes.
2.Provide commercial management of framework agreements and supporting contracts leading the commercial review of contractor delivery, attending valuation and progress meetings as necessary.
3.Initiate estimating and risk and value management of projects in a timely manner during the project life-cycle, recommending appropriate mitigating actions on commercial/risk events at the earliest opportunity.
4.Lead the negotiation of all prices under existing contracts/framework agreements (including the negotiation of target costs) and fully participate in the associated Quantitative Risk Assessment and Value Management Workshops.
5.Monitor and manage all project reporting such that it is accurately maintained and recorded in accordance with company reporting systems.Explain all variances to outturns, period forecasts, AFCs and budget/authority to Commercial Director, proposing mitigating actions at the earliest opportunity.
6.Lead and deploy the commercial team in the management of all live projects ensuring they are adequately resourced from a commercial perspective.
7.Provide pro-active expertise, advice and governance on all contract/scope changes in accordance with change control systems, recommending or authorising appropriate action within delegated authority and progressing the timely resolution of contract variations.
8.Manage all commercial correspondence and contractual notices issued in accordance with contractual conditions to confirm whether Network Rail's contractual position is clearly defined.
9.Identify emerging problems, report contractual claims and support in the management and resolution of legal and/or commercial disputes in conjunction with Functional management as appropriate.
10.Establish appropriate compliance controls and audit regimes to achieve adherence to Network Rail's relevant procedures, Group and company standards.
11.Lead the final account settlements on all projects to manage close out as per the project authority, project plan and within agreed timescales.Monitor all multi-year framework agreements, to agreement and reconciled annual accounts within 6 months of each year-end.
12.Support demonstration of efficiencies and continual improvement of estimating by undertaking cost analysis of completed projects and feedback as per Cost Allocation Feedback process.
13.Support with pre and post contract procurement activities as appropriate acting as role model for commercial staff, providing coaching and development as appropriate.
We need you to have:
•Knowledge of railway and construction industry conditions of contract
•Educated to degree level or equivalent and professional qualification
•Experienced negotiator
•Experience of resolution of construction contract disputes
•5 years' relevant railway and/or construction experience
•Knowledge of railway commercial contract management
It would be advantageous if you have:
•Experience of managing and developing a team of staff
•Good communication skills both written and oral
•Experience of contractors accounts