At a Glance
- Tasks: Support work-winning activities and negotiate pre-contract documents for large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a values-driven company focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, private healthcare, hybrid working, and a wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in infrastructure while developing your commercial skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles and strong understanding of NEC contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
In this role you support work-winning activity in a diverse portfolio, providing commercial input throughout the pre-contract phase. You review and negotiate pre-contract documents, shape commercial strategy with bid teams, and ensure a smooth handover to delivery after award. You will identify risk, drive value through cost optimisation, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships. This is an opportunity to contribute to large-scale infrastructure projects within a collaborative, values-driven environment.
Pay / Benefits
- bonus
- private healthcare
- electric car scheme
- flexible benefits
- hybrid working
- Wellbeing programme
Responsibilities
- Review and negotiate pre-contract documentation (NDAs, MoUs, Teaming Agreements, Design Services Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements)
- Support preparation and commercial review of tender and bid documentation
- Perform commercial and contractual risk assessments; propose practical solutions
- Negotiate contract terms with clients, supply chain partners and joint venture stakeholders
- Define and implement bid commercial strategies with bid teams and senior colleagues
- Contribute to pricing strategy and broader work-winning activity
- Coordinate with internal legal teams for contract review, approvals and governance
- Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising outcomes
- Support handover of awarded contracts to project commercial teams and escalate issues as needed
- Maintain strong commercial relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and delivery partners
- Contribute to monthly commercial reporting and ensure compliance with internal processes (change and risk management)
- Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture aligned with company values
Key requirements
- Proven experience in a commercial, contracts or procurement role within infrastructure markets (rail, highways, water, environment, energy, consultancy, PMO services)
- Strong understanding of NEC contracts and related service/consultancy agreements
- Experience supporting bids, tenders and pre-contract activity
- Strong commercial awareness with ability to identify risk and negotiate balanced outcomes
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building across internal and external parties
- Interpersonal, collaborative and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple opportunities in a fast-paced environment
- Degree in a relevant discipline; chartership or professional membership desirable
- Proactive, professional approach with governance, quality and continuous improvement mindset
- Commitment to safe working practices and an inclusive working environment
- Stakeholder management
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- NEC contracts
- Risk assessment
- Contract negotiation
Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) employer: SYSTRA
SYSTRA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our engineering projects. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a diverse team dedicated to delivering impactful transport solutions. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract)
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) at SYSTRA!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like SYSTRA or be willing to refer you for that Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from SYSTRA who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) role at SYSTRA!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at SYSTRA. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SYSTRA
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at SYSTRA. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
