Commercial Director (Roads) in Manchester

Commercial Director (Roads) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial strategies for major projects and manage risks effectively.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in Transport & Infrastructure with a focus on collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and influence across the organisation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving commercial success in exciting projects.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

As part of our Commercial function, you’ll help teams manage risk and unlock opportunity across the full project life cycle from bidding and winning work to delivering it successfully, guided by our Project First approach. Reporting to the Commercial Director for the Transport & Infrastructure portfolio, you’ll act as a trusted commercial partner to Business Units and colleagues alongside Legal and Finance. Through strong commercial judgement and collaborative working, you’ll help minimise risk, maximise financial returns and ensure outcomes align with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead commercial input to major bids, tenders and contract negotiations.
  • Provide end‑to‑end commercial support across project delivery, frameworks and working capital recovery.
  • Manage commercial risk, opportunities, claims and disputes in line with company policy.
  • Support clients and project teams on change management, contractual compliance and communications.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement and a strong commercial culture across Transport & Infrastructure.

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate

  • A confident change leader with a positive, collaborative mindset and the ability to work across all levels.
  • Strong commercial expertise, with proven experience in disputes, settlements and contract management.
  • Solid understanding of operational performance, monitoring and improvement in a complex environment.
  • Committed to inclusion and high performance, with the confidence to coach, develop and provide constructive feedback.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and deliver long‑term commercial improvement initiatives.
  • Experienced across complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.
  • Excellent communicator and influencer, with strong presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Proactive problem‑solver, able to identify risks early and drive improvements across people, process and practice.

Professional Experience

  • Proven people and commercial management experience in a client‑facing environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of consultancy models and performance drivers.
  • Demonstrable leadership capability, including delegation, accountability and succession planning.
  • Contract management experience using standard forms (e.g. NEC, FIDIC, COE), ideally in the UK and/or Ireland.
  • Experience within Transport & Infrastructure gained in consultancy, contractor or a client organisation.
  • Relevant degree and/or professional membership.

Commercial Director (Roads) in Manchester employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

As a leading player in the Transport & Infrastructure sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and encourage collaboration across teams to drive innovation and success. Located in a vibrant area, our company not only provides competitive benefits but also promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

Contact Details:

Wsp In The Uk & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Director (Roads) in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase your commercial expertise and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in contract management and risk assessment can benefit the company. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in Transport & Infrastructure, showing them you mean business.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director (Roads) in Manchester

Commercial Judgement
Contract Management
Risk Management
Change Management
Dispute Resolution
Operational Performance Monitoring
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in commercial management, contract negotiations, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to our Commercial function. Be sure to mention your collaborative mindset and problem-solving skills, as these are key for us.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and leadership capabilities. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from quantifying your successes!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

Know Your Commercial Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your commercial expertise, especially around disputes and contract management. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations or managed risks.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've developed teams in previous roles. Think of instances where you've coached others or led a project to success, as this will demonstrate your ability to influence and inspire.

Be a Proactive Problem-Solver

Think of examples where you've identified risks early and implemented solutions. This role requires a strategic thinker, so be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in processes or practices in your previous positions.

Communicate Effectively

Practice your presentation and facilitation skills before the interview. You’ll need to convey complex information clearly, so consider how you can articulate your thoughts on commercial strategies and project outcomes in a way that resonates with your audience.