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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and oversee contract compliance for rail infrastructure projects.
- Company: Northern is a key player in the rail industry, enhancing connectivity across the North.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension schemes, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team making a real impact on rail travel and community growth.
- Qualifications: Chartered professional with experience in rail or construction project management required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career development and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 78000 £ per year.
Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager
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Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager
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Join to apply for the Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager role at Northern
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
GRADE: ML2/SB2
SALARY: Circa £69,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid: Approximately 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home
LOCATION: York or Manchester
HOURS: 37
Shape the Future of Rail with Northern
We’re delivering major upgrades across the North – from driver simulator facilities to train care centre improvements – and we’re looking for a Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager to lead the commercial success of these projects.
You’ll oversee contract strategy, cost control, and commercial governance across high impact infrastructure programmes. Using NEC and JCT contracts, you’ll manage contractor performance, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance – all while being part of a fast paced, delivery focused team that’s supportive, friendly, and works together to get things done.
If you’re a chartered commercial or QS professional with UK construction or rail experience, and a strong grasp of contract law and procurement, this is your chance to influence real change in a dynamic environment.
Join us and help shape a smarter, better connected future for the North.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the commercial strategy, oversight, and reporting across a portfolio of rail infrastructure and property projects
- Manage contract compliance, payments, estimates, and performance reporting ensuring accuracy and alignment with Network Rail and Northern frameworks
- Oversee and support professional services providers to ensure contract scope, risk, and valuations are handled with rigour
- Influence procurement strategy and shape early stage project estimates in collaboration with stakeholders
- Resolve complex commercial issues, claims, and disputes, ensuring projects close out efficiently and effectively
About You
To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:
- Substantial experience in the commercial management of rail, infrastructure, or construction projects
- A strong understanding of NEC, JCT, or other industry standard contracts
- Proven success resolving commercial risk and contract disputes in live project environments
- A relevant degree and membership of a professional body (e.g. RICS, ICE, or similar), ideally with chartered status
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to lead commercial best practice across diverse project teams
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We\’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Project Management and Information Technology
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Industries
Rail Transportation
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Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NEC and JCT contracts, as these are crucial for the role. Understanding the nuances of these contracts will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail and construction sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've resolved commercial disputes in past projects. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and experience, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Northern's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their current work will allow you to tailor your conversation and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management, particularly within rail or infrastructure projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role at Northern. Mention how your skills align with their mission to improve rail travel and enhance customer experience.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include instances where you've resolved complex commercial issues or disputes in live project environments. This will demonstrate your capability to handle challenges effectively, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC and JCT contracts, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed contractor performance and resolved disputes in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Highlight your experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've led commercial best practices across project teams and influenced procurement strategies.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex commercial issues you've faced and how you resolved them. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to close out projects efficiently and effectively.
✨Align with Northern's Values
Research Northern's mission and values, especially their commitment to community and sustainability. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
