Job Description

At Network Rail, every role has real impact. We keep Britain moving by connecting millions of passengers and freight customers safely and efficiently every single day. When you join us, your work matters - not just to our teams, but to communities across the country.
We're proud to have been recognised as one of for the fourth year running. We're also a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer of choice - because we believe our workforce should reflect the diversity of the passengers and freight we serve.
Here, you'll find an environment where you can:
? Develop your career with real investment in your growth.
? Work flexibly, with support to balance life and work.
? Belong to a team that values different perspectives and lived experiences.
Discover more about what diversity and inclusion mean to us ?
#LI-IM
Brief Description
? Senior Commercial Manager - North West & Central Region ?
? Locations: Birmingham, or any West Coast South location: Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stafford, Rugby or Euston (with regular travel across sites)
? Salary: 55,596 - 65,966 (Band 3C Zone 1)
? Closing date: Wednesday 15 October 2025 (we may close early if we receive a high volume of applications)
? Hybrid & flexible working available
The Opportunity
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our North West & Central (NW&C) region delivers safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
The NW&C Route Commercial services team provides commercial support to Regional and Route Customers across NW&C, including Maintenance, Operations, Property and Asset Protection teams. This role supports the West Coast South (WCS) Route Maintenance and Operations team in delivering their strategic and operational objectives through line management of the commercial team within the Maintenance Delivery Units, and through working closely with senior WCS Maintenance stakeholders.
Working alongside the other Route Senior Commercial Managers, this role will be responsible for managing spend across a large portfolio of frameworks, contracts and suppliers across the WCS Route. The contracts include Road Rail Vehicles, Possession Management and Facilities Management, with a focus on identifying efficiencies and maximising the value from the spend with these suppliers. It requires strong supplier and contract management experience, along with understanding of Network Rail governance processes. The focus of the role is on post contract, but you will also be required to support pre contact procurement to ensure that the needs of the Route stakeholders are met. You will be leading on contract variations and uplifts, and responsible for resolving any disputes that arise under these agreements. The Route stakeholders are often challenging and identifying efficiencies and cost savings is a priority across the board.
The role has line management for 3 Commercial Managers based across the WCS Delivery Units, and so you will be responsible for support and directing their day to day activities, along with their professional development.
This role can be based in Birmingham or from any WCS location (Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stafford, Rugby or Euston - with regular travel across sites), and will require regular travel across these locations, along with travel to Manchester and Milton Keynes as required. In line with the NW&C hybrid working policy the expectation is 3 days per week in the office, between these locations.
This is a role with real variety and influence - one day you might be managing supplier relationships or resolving contract disputes, the next you'll be advising senior stakeholders or identifying cost-saving opportunities. Your leadership will directly support the delivery of essential services across the WCS route - keeping the railway running for millions of passengers.
About the role (External)
What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and inspire a commercial team to deliver for the NW&C region.
• Manage relationships with contractors and suppliers, maximising value for Network Rail.
• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, shaping commercial decision-making.
• Drive contract performance, ensuring compliance, efficiencies, and cost savings.
• Take a leading role in resolving disputes, variations, and uplifts.
• Influence strategy and support the long-term planning of maintenance and renewals.
• Assess commercial risk and implement suitable control measures where required.
• Support the efficient and effective implementation of category strategies at Route level.
• Work with relevant teams to provide commercial input into the business planning and maintainer renewals processes.

About You
We're looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and strong leadership.
? Essential:

• Knowledge of the construction industry and supply chains, including commercial and contract administration processes.
• Proven experience in commercial contract management and dispute resolution.

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in a construction or rail commercial role.
• Able to effectively communicate at all levels, both internally and externally
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) and a professional qualification.

? Desirable (but not essential):

• Strong digital skills, including tools like Oracle E-Business Suite, Bravo, and CEMAR.
• Membership of a professional body (e.g. RICS, CIPS).
• A track record of driving successful business change.
• Leadership skills to inspire, coach, and develop teams.

How to apply (External)
What's in it for you?

• A competitive salary (55,596 - 65,966).
• Hybrid working with a mix of home and office-based flexibility.
• A wide range of benefits explore them here ?

. * The chance to shape major projects and make a visible impact.

• Career development opportunities in one of the UK's largest organisations.

How to Apply
Ready to make your mark? Click Apply Now to start your journey.

• ? Closing date: Wednesday 15 October 2025 (we may close early if applications are high).
• ? Need adjustments or support? Add a note to your application and we'll be in touch. You can also visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for accessibility support and advice.

? This is more than a job. It's a chance to lead, to make a difference, and to keep the country moving.

Skills Required