Job Description

Senior Commercial Manager

Location:

Stratford, London

Salary:

80,000 - 100,000 depending on experience

Contract Type:

Full-Time, Permanent (5 days office based)

Sector:

Rail Infrastructure / Engineering Consultancy

About Us

Modus Rail is a fast-growing, forward-thinking provider of structural examinations and engineering services across the UK rail network. As a trusted supplier to Network Rail and other major clients, our work ensures the safety and longevity of vital rail assets. Our commercial focus is simple: deliver real value, without compromising on safety, quality, or compliance.

We're expanding -- and we're now looking for a

Senior Commercial Manager

who shares our high standards and drive for excellence.

About the Role

As our

Senior Commercial Manager

, you will play a lead role in shaping Modus Rail's commercial strategy, ensuring that all projects are not only delivered compliantly and safely -- but also on budget and with margin discipline. You'll act as a trusted advisor to our Directors, bringing robust commercial oversight to a diverse portfolio of rail infrastructure projects.

You'll be directly responsible for cost management, client and subcontractor negotiations, commercial reporting, and driving long-term value into everything we deliver -- from examination frameworks to enabling works and innovation-led projects.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement project-level and company-wide commercial strategies that drive profitability, support growth, and ensure commercial compliance. Oversee and manage budgets for multi-year framework contracts (e.g. Network Rail examinations), ensuring forecasting, cost tracking and value-for-money reporting are accurate and timely. Lead contract administration, including NEC contract management, risk allocation, early warning notices, and change control. Prepare and present monthly commercial dashboards for the Board, including gross margin performance, risk exposure, and revenue forecast vs actuals. Negotiate and agree terms with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring alignment with Modus Rail's safety, quality, and social value expectations. Support bid and tender teams by preparing pricing models, risk registers, and commercial input for new opportunities. Monitor industry trends (e.g. changes to Network Rail commercial frameworks, safety expectations, and supplier rates) to guide pricing strategies and market positioning. Lead or support resolution of commercial disputes, claims, and variations, working closely with legal support where needed.

What We're Looking For

Proven experience in a senior commercial role, ideally in the rail, civil engineering, infrastructure, or construction sectors. Strong working knowledge of

NEC contracts

and UK public sector frameworks. A commercial mindset -- able to think strategically while also digging into the numbers. Excellent financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-pound budgets and reporting to Directors or stakeholders. Confident negotiator and communicator -- able to challenge and influence constructively. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, contract cost forecasting tools, and project reporting platforms (experience with Xero or Power BI is a plus). Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g. RICS, MRICS, or equivalent experience).

What You'll Get in Return

Competitive salary of 80,000- 100,000 depending on experience Bonus scheme based on project and company performance 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays Company pension Opportunity to shape and grow a commercial team in a scaling business A direct line to Directors with real influence on strategy

Why Modus Rail?

We're not your average contractor. We're a

medium-sized business

, so every team member counts -- there's no hiding place, but there's plenty of opportunity. You'll join a company that listens, delivers, and genuinely cares. We don't get bogged down in red tape. We get the job done right, and we reward people who go the extra mile.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 80,000.00-100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee mentoring programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Application question(s):

Do you have experience of managing NEC3/4 Contracts? Can you demonstrate commercial contract management of schemes between 10m - 20m Are you able to work in our Stratford office 5 days per week?
Language:

English (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: SQS
Expected start date: 01/10/2025