Commercial Lead - TFGM in Manchester

Lead the commercial strategy and delivery of high-value capital projects that will shape how Greater Manchester moves. You will guide a commercial team across cost planning, procurement, contract management, funding, risk, change and supplier relationships, ensuring public investment delivers lasting value.

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.

Lead and develop a commercial team, setting priorities, allocating resources and ensuring high-quality delivery aligned to organisational objectives. Act as the senior commercial interface with project leadership, internal boards and external contractual counterparties. Lead and validate cost estimates, advise on programme affordability and recommend funding requirements based on risk and opportunity analysis. Shape procurement strategies and tender documentation alongside Procurement and Legal, lead commercial evaluations and negotiate final terms. Develop and oversee robust contract management systems, supplier relationships and interventions across capital contracts. Oversee capital budgets, forecasts, cash flow alignment, professional services appointments and periodic reporting. Lead early intervention, claims strategy, commercial negotiations and dispute resolution while protecting constructive counterparty relationships. Provide assurance over risk, change control, cost validation and value for money through project gateways and governance forums. Drive continuous improvement and embed commercial best practice across the Projects Group.

Extensive commercial and contract management experience in a complex, customer-focused environment. A strong record across contract procurement, development, implementation, variation negotiation and ongoing management. Strategic budget management and financial control experience across major capital projects or programmes. The ability to distil complex and sometimes conflicting issues into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders. Proven leadership of commercial teams in financially challenging, delivery-focused settings. Experience managing commercial risk, funding models, cost forecasts and supplier relationships. A relevant degree or equivalent vocational qualification. Transport, infrastructure or public-sector experience, NEC contract knowledge and professional affiliation are advantageous, but the strength and transferability of your commercial experience will be central.

Salary shown for each role. 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.