Senior Commercial Manager (PMCM Rail)

About the role

As a Senior Commercial Manager within WSP’s PMCM Rail Team, you will play a critical part in overseeing and driving the commercial success of complex rail projects of regional and national importance. Operating within our clients’ organizations and delivery teams, you will ensure commercial governance, financial control, and proactive risk management across multidisciplinary rail programs.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with your client’s Project Manager and wider teams to safeguard commercial performance, support program delivery, and maintain the integrity of commercial processes from project initiation through to close-out. This role is ideally suited to a mid-career commercial professional with strong Rail sector experience who is ready to take greater ownership, lead client relationships, and operate confidently on large, fast-paced programs with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key client and stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted commercial advisor.
• Prepare monthly commercial, cost and risk reports to provide clarity on project performance.
• Oversee commercial management activities in alignment with contract requirements and client governance.
• Manage project budgets, cost estimation, forecasting, tracking and reporting.
• Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers and contractors during procurement, working closely with client procurement teams.
• Support effective commercial management of the supply chain, promoting collaboration and trust.
• Ensure full compliance with client commercial procedures and standards.
• Review and approve project expenditures, invoices and commercial submissions.
• Chair commercial meetings with contractors, suppliers and delivery partners.
• Administer contracts through the full lifecycle, including formation, delivery and close-out.
• Lead on change management, including negotiation of variations, claims and compensation events.
• Monitor contract performance, address commercial issues and draft necessary contractual correspondence.
• Conduct financial forecasting, risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies.
• Optimise resource allocation to support commercial and program targets.
• Identify, manage and mitigate commercial risks, ensuring early warnings and regular risk reduction meetings with project teams.

Requirements

We would love you to bring:

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation or progress towards it (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB).
• Strong experience in commercial management in the Rail or transportation infrastructure sector.
• Experience delivering major projects in a client-side or consultancy environment.
• Exposure to organizations such as Network Rail, HS2, TfGM, or other rail delivery bodies.
• A proven ability to deliver commercial outcomes on multidisciplinary programs.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with presence and credibility.
• Proficiency in commercial management tools and software.
• An in-depth understanding of NEC3/NEC4 and wider rail industry commercial practices.

Qualifications

Don’t meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply — your experience may align with other opportunities across our team.

Benefits

Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hybrid working (minimum three office days per week).