Commercial Contract Specialist Lead - TFGM in Manchester

Become TfGM's specialist authority on complex capital contracts, advising from contract formation through negotiation, delivery, claims and resolution. You will influence executive-level decisions, protect value across the infrastructure pipeline and create practical solutions where contractual, commercial and legal issues intersect.

Client Details

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the organisation helping to shape a more connected, sustainable and inclusive transport future for the city region. Its growing, multidisciplinary Commercial Services function brings together capital commercial, procurement, franchise and commercial delivery, corporate finance, supplier relationships, social value, governance and assurance. The team works from the earliest commercial strategy and market engagement through tendering, contract award, mobilisation and supplier performance. This is not a back-office commercial function. The team sits at the centre of high-profile decisions across the Bee Network, bus franchising, Metrolink, rail and station investment, fleet, technology, energy, active travel and public infrastructure. Commercial Services has supported projects including the Bee Network bus franchise contracts, the approximately £1.9bn Metrolink Operator and Maintenance Agreement, new rail and accessibility schemes, renewable energy arrangements and passenger shelter programmes. TfGM is also planning the commercial capability required to support a significant programme of construction and civil engineering investment over the coming years.

Description

• Act as the lead contract adviser across the Projects Group and infrastructure pipeline, supporting issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Serve as the senior interface between the commercial function, project leadership, corporate boards and external counterparties on complex contract matters.
• Lead specialist contract formation, procurement strategy, tender documentation, drafting coordination and final contract negotiations.
• Advise senior leaders on claims, contentious issues, contractual risk and recommended commercial positions.
• Oversee strategic interfaces for capital contracts and maintain constructive senior relationships with suppliers and counterparties.
• Lead early intervention, claims resolution, escalation, dispute procedures, commercial negotiation and early mediation.
• Prepare specialist contract reports and reasoned recommendations for review panels, executive boards, investment boards and committees.
• Peer review contractual risks and advise on project controls, change and delivery models.
• Develop and embed contract management best practice, processes and professional guidance across TfGM.
• Supervise Commercial Leads and support wider organisational change and commercial capability.

Profile

• Extensive experience delivering effective commercial and contract management in a complex, customer-focused organisation.
• Deep experience of complex contract procurement, development, implementation, variation negotiation and management.
• The ability to analyse intertwined commercial, contractual and legal issues and explain them clearly to senior decision-makers.
• A strong record of influencing outcomes through evidence, negotiation and sound judgement.
• Progressive team leadership experience within demanding commercial and financial environments.
• Experience managing the commercial challenges of major, specialist capital projects.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification, plus MRICS or CiArb professional qualification.
• NEC4 experience is highly valuable.
• Transport, infrastructure, public-sector funding and contract-law knowledge are also desirable.

Job Offer

• 28+ days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Free rail, Metrolink and bus travel to and from work.
• Local Government Pension Scheme and associated life cover.
• Flexible and hybrid working embedded within policy and culture.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave, including maternity, adoption, paternity and fertility treatment support.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wider wellbeing support.
• Professional fee reimbursement where essential to the role.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• A visible career platform within a commercial team that is growing, modernising and able to demonstrate internal progression.
• Salary banding - £75,590 to £85,077.

TfGM is proud to be an equal opportunities employer that encourages and celebrates diversity. We want to recruit and retain a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcome individuals from all backgrounds by committing to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.