Senior Commercial Manager in Birmingham

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are a diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers working in the Rail sector, focussed on the common goal of delivering solutions for our clients. Our passion comes from creating and shaping the built environment through tailored project delivery as we strive to be the best in class.

As a Senior Commercial Manager at WSP in the PMCM Rail team you will be key to the delivery of complex rail projects of regional, national, and international significance. As a PMCM Commercial Manager working within the client's organisation, you will oversee the commercial aspects of complex rail projects. You will ensure efficient commercial management and maintain financial oversight to achieve project objectives. You will work in close liaison with the client’s Project Manager and team.

At WSP, our Senior Commercial Managers are individuals who are adaptable in various situations and possess an innovative mindset, willing to take on new challenges and are comfortable in working within significant and complex projects or programmes of work. We collaborate closely with external clients and with internal multi-disciplinary project teams and, to deliver most effectively, we utilise WSP offices, client offices and/or site locations to deliver programmes of strategic regional and national importance.

Our culture encourages and supports a successful work-life balance and we encourage all our people to embrace this approach. You will be based in one of our modern, vibrant offices, situated in great city centre locations across the UK. WSP actively supports flexible working with the expectation for you to be in an office environment a minimum of three days a week to support and integrate with your colleagues and clients. You will, on occasion, visit sites.

With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business.

Your Team

We are a diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers working in the Rail sector, focussed on the common goal of delivering solutions for our clients. Our passion comes from creating and shaping the built environment through tailored project delivery as we strive to be the best in class.

A little more about your role…

• Leading and managing client and stakeholder relationships, through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Accountable for compiling monthly project commercial/ cost and risk reports, to provide senior managers clarity of project position.
• Overseeing the commercial management of the projects in accordance with contract rules of engagement.
• Managing project budgets, including cost estimation, tracking, and reporting.
• Negotiating terms and conditions with suppliers in multiple disciplines, during procurement phase, in liaison with client’s procurement team.
• Commercial management of the supply chain/ other stakeholders, seeking to foster a spirit of mutual trust and collaboration.
• Ensuring compliance with the client's commercial policies and procedures.
• Reviewing and approving project expenditures and invoices.
• Chairing regular commercial meetings with key suppliers, including delivery contractors.
• Administering the contract in line with the contract requirements, including contract formation, execution, and close-out.
• Reviewing and negotiating with supply chain in relation to change management, including variations and claims, with a view to timely resolution.
• Monitoring contract performance and compliance, addressing any contractual issues that arise.
• Drafting contractual correspondence.
• Conducting financial forecasting, financial risk assessment, and mitigation planning.
• Optimising resource allocation to ensure financial performance aligns with project goals.
• Pro-active engagement in/ management of commercial risk identification, evaluation and mitigation activity.
• Together with the Project Manager, ensuring that early warnings are raised and regular commercial risk reduction meetings are held together with all affected parties.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Project Management or Commercial Management (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB).
• Extensive experience in commercial management within the rail or transportation infrastructure sector.
• Experience working on significant projects with demonstrated client-side project delivery (design and build).
• Experience working with organisations such as Network Rail, HS2, TfGM, and other rail-related entities is seen as advantageous.
• Proven track record of commercial delivery of multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Quickly establishes credibility and sphere of influence.
• Proficiency in commercial management software and tools.
• In-depth knowledge/ accreditations of key contracts (including NEC 3 and 4) and rail industry standards, regulations, and best practices.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can.

Apply today. Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Development and training: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.