Are you a highly experienced Commercial Manager with a proven track record in the rail sector? We're seeking a proactive and commercially astute freelance professional to join a multi-billion pound rail contracting business on a project basis. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise on some of the UK's most significant rail infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on signalling systems. This role is offered on a contract basis and is assessed as Outside IR35.
The Opportunity 📝
We require a seasoned professional to manage all commercial aspects of our major projects. This includes everything from tendering and contract negotiation through to final account settlement. You'll be the commercial guardian, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to maximum profitability. Your deep knowledge of the rail industry, particularly in complex signalling and infrastructure works, will be crucial.
This is a hands-on role where you'll be responsible for:
Commercial & Contract Management: Taking the lead on all commercial activities, including reviewing, negotiating, and administering contracts, particularly those based on the NEC3/4 suite. You'll ensure compliance and manage change control processes effectively.
Subcontractor Management: You will be responsible for the full commercial life cycle of our subcontractors, from selecting and vetting potential partners to managing their performance and resolving any commercial disputes. Your ability to build strong relationships while maintaining commercial rigor is key.
Labour & Resource Control: A critical part of this role is the meticulous management of project costs. You'll oversee all expenditure related to direct labour and specialist contractors, ensuring efficient resource allocation and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
Risk & Opportunity Management: You will proactively identify and mitigate commercial risks and challenges, while simultaneously pinpointing opportunities for added value and revenue generation. Your commercial foresight will be vital in navigating the complexities of large-scale rail projects.
Financial Reporting: Providing accurate and timely commercial reports, forecasts, and financial data to senior management to inform strategic decision-making.
What We're Looking For 🔍
We're searching for a skilled individual who can hit the ground running. The ideal candidate will have:
Extensive experience as a Commercial Manager within the rail or heavy civils sectors, with a strong focus on signalling and infrastructure projects.
A deep understanding of the commercial intricacies of the rail industry, including the unique challenges of integrated systems.
Proven experience managing large-scale subcontractors and a diverse labour force.
Expert knowledge of NEC3/4 and other standard forms of contract.
A proactive, problem-solving mindset and exceptional negotiation skills.
The ability to work autonomously and manage your own workload effectively.
Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
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