Project Commercial Manager

Company Information

VolkerRail is an established and experienced railway infrastructure contractor. We have a successful track record of delivering projects across the whole of the UK, working with Network Rail, London Underground as well as light rail and tram operating companies to enhance the national infrastructure.

As one of the UKs oldest railway contractors, with a history dating back over 70 years, we are passionate about the preservation and development of the railways. Our years of experience and continued company growth have earned us a reputation within the industry for high performance and innovation, and as a company focussed on timely and efficient delivery.

Job Summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Project Commercial Manager to join our Urban Transport & Rail Projects division. This specialist division has extensive experience of working on high profile projects for most of the UK’s light rail and tram operators and on the UK heavy rail network. We are recognised as a market leader for the provision of renewal and minor enhancements services to the light rail sector and as a supplier of choice to the wider rail market. 

As a Project Commercial Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving the commercial success of a diverse portfolio of rail infrastructure projects. Leading a team of commercial professionals, you will be responsible for maximising contract performance, profitability and cash flow, whilst ensuring robust commercial governance, contractual compliance and effective risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

Working closely with operational, finance and senior commercial stakeholders, you will provide strategic commercial leadership across multiple projects, overseeing forecasting, change management, subcontractor performance and client relationships. You will be instrumental in ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with contract requirements, company procedures and commercial best practice, while supporting business growth through work-winning activities and the development of high-performing commercial teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial professional with strong leadership capability and a proven track record in project or contract commercial management within construction, infrastructure or rail environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of a portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery of agreed financial and contractual objectives.
• Maximise project profitability, turnover and cash flow through effective commercial control and governance.
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, cost management and monthly commercial reporting activities.
• Lead the preparation, management and negotiation of change controls, compensation events, claims and extensions of time.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier procurement activities, ensuring best value and contractual compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead, develop and support commercial team members to achieve high levels of performance and professional growth.
• Ensure projects operate in accordance with contractual requirements, company procedures and commercial best practice.
• Support business development and work-winning activities through commercial input and feedback.
• Work closely with operational and finance teams to drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities to enhance project performance.

About you

You are an experienced commercial professional with a proven track record of managing the commercial performance of complex projects within construction, infrastructure or rail environments. You combine strong contractual and financial acumen with the leadership skills required to develop and motivate high-performing teams.

You will be confident managing client relationships, leading commercial negotiations and resolving contractual issues whilst maintaining a strong focus on risk management, profitability and cash generation. With excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach, you will be comfortable working across operational, finance and commercial functions to deliver successful outcomes.

Ideally, you will hold a degree or possess equivalent industry experience and be working towards, or have achieved, a recognised professional management qualification. Experience within the rail sector and professional membership status would be advantageous. 

You'll bring:
•    Significant commercial management experience within construction, infrastructure or rail projects. 
•    Strong knowledge of contract administration, commercial governance and change management processes. 
•    Experience managing and developing commercial teams. 
•    Excellent financial forecasting, budgeting and reporting skills. 
•    Strong negotiation, problem-solving and stakeholder management capability. 
•    A high level of commercial awareness and attention to detail. 
•    A commitment to safety, compliance and continuous improvement. 

Why work for us?

VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme

Mental health, physical health, and financial support

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive. You can read more about our FIR Strategy as well as our partners here Fairness, Inclusion and Respect | VolkerWessels UK

If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to careers@volkerwessels.co.uk

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.