At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial ownership of high-value transport projects and contracts.
- Company: Transport for Greater Manchester, shaping a sustainable transport future.
- Benefits: 28+ days leave, free travel, flexible working, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment with diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
Take senior commercial ownership across multiple high-value transport contracts and projects, from procurement and cost planning through delivery, change and final account. You will lead colleagues, negotiate with contractors and turn complex cost, contract and risk information into confident decisions for senior boards.
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: Hold senior commercial and contract responsibility across multiple projects, contracts and transport modes throughout the delivery lifecycle. Manage and support Cost Managers and Commercial Assistants, coordinating priorities and quality of output. Act as a key interface between contractors, Commercial Leads, project teams and senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal and Procurement. Assess applications, valuations, variations and compensation events, negotiate entitlement and make clear payment recommendations. Lead commercial input into procurement strategies, tender documents, evaluations, contract negotiation and finalisation. Build cost plans, estimates, risk and contingency allowances; validate consultant and contractor forecasts and estimates at completion. Own monthly cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow and affordability reporting for project and programme boards. Manage early warnings, claims, disputes, change requests and commercial risk, escalating material issues appropriately. Build collaborative contractor relationships while maintaining contractual compliance, governance and value for money. Improve commercial systems, processes and resource planning across the function.
Profile: Senior commercial or quantity surveying experience delivering complex capital projects from inception to completion. Strong knowledge of construction contracts, including NEC, and practical experience of variations, compensation events, payments, valuations, final accounts and disputes. Confidence negotiating with contractors and leading cross-functional commercial discussions under time pressure. Strong cost reporting capability, including forecasts, cash flow, budgets, risk, contingency and presentation to senior stakeholders. Experience managing multiple high-value projects and maintaining productive contractor and consultant relationships. The ability to lead, allocate work and develop more junior commercial colleagues. A degree in Quantity Surveying and commercial chartership such as MRICS or MCIPS. Transport or infrastructure experience and previous client-side delivery are 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 £61,586 to £69,319.
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.
Senior Cost & Commercial Manager - TFGM in Manchester employer: Michael Page
ASDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Leeds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ASDA provides numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in one of the UK's leading retail brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost & Commercial Manager - TFGM in Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
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Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Michael Page, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Cost & Commercial Manager - TFGM at Michael Page.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost & Commercial Manager - TFGM in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
