Job Description

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
About GBRX and Digital Railway
At GBRX, we are at the forefront of transforming the railway industry, driving innovation, and delivering complex projects that push the boundaries of transportation. We are seeking a Programme Commercial Manager to lead the commercial management of our frameworks and contracts, ensuring financial efficiency and delivering excellence in our programme of works.
About the East Coast Digital Programme
The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is a landmark scheme that will introduce in-cab digital signalling on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, between London Kings Cross and Grantham.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
We're looking for a Programme Commercial Manager to join us in GBRX. The role will be leading the commercial function supporting the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP)
About the role (External)
Role Description
This role, reporting the Director of Commercial Operations, leads the commercial function supporting the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).
This flagship industry change programme is delivering digitally enabled train control on a complex, mixed-use railway for the first time in the UK. This pioneering programme affects almost every aspect of the operational railway, impacts over thirty railway undertakings and paves the way for improved safety, capacity and efficiency for future generations of rail users.
In this pivotal role, you will take the helm of the ECDP commercial function working closely with delivery, investment, and finance, to ensure this ambitious programme is executed with precision and efficiency.
As Programme Commercial Manager, you will business partner with the Industry Partnership Delivery Director to execute and adapt the commercial strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, leveraging your expertise to forge robust partnerships and navigate the complexities of the industry. Your leadership will be instrumental in guaranteeing clear and accurate reporting and continuously refining our programme strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
This is more than just a management role; it's an opportunity to innovate and lead in a transformative sector. If you have a keen eye for detail, a knack for negotiation, and a passion for driving large-scale projects, join us in revolutionizing the railway industry.
Key Accountabilities:

• Functionally responsible for all the commercial management service supporting the East Coast Digital Programme. Support the Industry Partnership Director and business partner with the Industry Programme Delivery Director. Lead the commercial function at programme board and key forums.
• Execute and adapt the Programme Commercial Management Strategy (the "what/why") for the management and control of the Programme.
• Support the Programme Delivery Director and be accountable for the Commercial Management Plan
• Ensure Compliance with all relevant regulations procedures including the Procurement Act and all DfT and NR investment and commercial assurance and governance policies.
• Lead the management and resolution of legal/commercial disputes
• Ensure that all financial and commercial reports produced by the Programme are clear and accurate. Working with the investment/delivery/finance teams to jointly own financial accountability
• Establish appropriate control and audit regimes to achieve adherence to Network Rail's procedures, relevant Railway Group and Network Rail company standards.
• Mobilise estimating and risk management support for programme activities as required
• Own the programme business ethics plan and lead on championing industry best practice
• Lead, manage and develop the ECDP commercial team. Attract, retain and develop talent to ensure the service level required today and putting succession plans in place

What we need from you:

• Experience of delivering complex industry change, including understanding of the needs and motivations of a diverse set of stakeholders
• Experience leading and managing a large and diverse team
• Demonstrate experience of robust post contract management and the resolution of complex and high value disputes
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regs, DfT or relevant public-sector investment processes
• Experience of leading best practice in NR commercial and investment assurance and governance
• Leadership and influencing capability with good communication skills including public speaking and presentation
• Appreciation of business ethics issues, including management of conflicts of interest and confidential information in a complex and multi-party environment
• Educated to degree level or equivalent and professional qualification

Desirable:

• An understanding of UK railway regulatory and commercial environment including the Network Code and Network change process
• An understanding of rail industry business models from one or more sectors including NR operations, passenger, freight, heritage & charter and on-track machine businesses.

If this sounds like something that would interest you, we'd love to see your application
How to apply (External)
Salary: 85,395-101,323
Closing date: 13/11/25 - Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply.
This role is based in London (will be either Kings Cross, Paddington or Waterloo) and requires working at least 3 days per week in the office.
What does our recruitment process look like?
1. Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV.
2. If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be invited to an interview
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Skills Required