At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value rail projects and shape the future of UK rail infrastructure.
- Company: Top UK rail consultancy with ambitious growth plans and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major rail programmes and influence key decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Commercial Manager in complex projects; rail experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: London, England
Industry: Transport and Rail
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 per annum + Car Allowance + Bonus
London | Hybrid & Flexible Working | £15m–£100m Portfolio
Shape the Commercial Future of UK Rail
Our client is one of the UK's leading Rail consultancies, a business riding a wave of major framework wins, a strong forward pipeline, and ambitious growth plans across the rail infrastructure sector. They're now looking for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to take commercial leadership of a high-value, high-profile portfolio, delivering major Design & Build rail systems programmes for national rail infrastructure clients across the UK & Ireland.
This isn't a back-office commercial role. You'll be at the table with clients, in the room with governance boards, and at the front of some of the country's flagship rail programmes, spanning major renewals and enhancement frameworks, long-term partnership arrangements with key rail bodies, and delivery across the UK and Ireland. If you're commercially astute, thrive in complexity, and want your fingerprints on the projects reshaping Britain's railways, this is your next move.
What You'll Be Doing
- Owning commercial performance across a diverse portfolio of contracts, alliances, and frameworks (£15m–£100m individual project value)
- Acting as the primary commercial interface with clients, building relationships that go beyond the contract
- Sitting on the Commercial Leadership Team, shaping strategy, governance, and decision-making at the top table
- Driving contract administration and change control under NEC4
- Resolving claims, disputes, and commercial issues pragmatically and on time
- Managing supply chain and subcontractor commercial performance, cost control, and compliance
- Presenting commercial risk and recommendations directly to senior leadership and governance boards
- Leading on major contract negotiation and Stage Gate commercial governance
- Mentoring and developing a team of commercial professionals, while leading commercially on tender and growth opportunities
What You'll Bring
- A relevant degree and/or professional qualification (RICS, CICES) or equivalent experience
- Proven track record operating at Senior Commercial Manager level within a contractor or consultancy environment
- Strong pre- and post-contract commercial expertise on large, complex projects
- Significant hands‑on experience with the NEC4 Contract Suite
- A sharp eye for subcontractor and supply chain commercial management
- A collaborative, client‑first mindset, you know how to find the win‑win
- Rail experience is preferred, but candidates from related infrastructure sectors (highways, utilities, energy, major programmes) are genuinely welcomed
- The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and operate autonomously
Why This Role
- Scale and profile: multi-million-pound projects and frameworks that define the rail landscape
- Genuine influence: a seat on the Commercial Leadership Team, not just a seat at the desk
- Flexibility: hybrid working across multiple UK office locations
- Growth: join a business actively expanding, with a strong forward pipeline and real ambition
- Backing: the resources, governance, and reputation of a major global engineering and infrastructure consultancy
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Senior Commercial Manager - Rail Systems in City of Westminster employer: Randstad Cpe London
Randstad CPE London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the public-sector procurement space. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working in the vibrant city of Milton Keynes, known for its supportive community and modern amenities. Join us to make a meaningful impact through strategic sourcing and enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career in a regulated environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager - Rail Systems in City of Westminster
✨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.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
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 Randstad Cpe London, 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 Commercial Manager - Rail Systems at Randstad Cpe London.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager - Rail Systems in City of Westminster
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 Randstad Cpe London
✨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!
