Commercial Manager – Rail, Infrastructure & Utilities

Location: National

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Typical Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Drive performance. Influence strategy. Lead commercial success at scale.

At Ground Control, we deliver complex rail, infrastructure, and utilities projects across national and regional frameworks. We’re looking for a Commercial Manager to lead both the strategic and operational delivery of commercial activities across one or more business units.

This is a senior leadership role where you’ll shape commercial strategy, influence decision-making at SLT level, and drive profitability, performance, and continuous improvement across the division.

What you’ll do

You’ll take ownership of commercial performance, leading teams, improving processes, and ensuring strong financial and contractual control.

Operational Commercial Leadership
• Oversee core commercial activities including invoicing, billing, supply chain payments, CVR/CVTC, and contract administration
• Support mobilisation and commercial set-up of complex or high-volume contracts
• Lead recovery and conversion of WIP into recognised value
• Provide hands-on support during operational challenges to stabilise performance

Strategic Commercial Oversight
• Shape divisional commercial plans aligned to business strategy
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Commercial Director and SLT
• Identify and manage commercial risks, providing clear recommendations
• Support bids, tenders, and contract mobilisation with effective pricing strategies

Performance & Reporting
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and margin performance
• Conduct P&L reviews and implement corrective actions where needed
• Establish monthly performance reviews to proactively manage risk
• Deliver clear, accurate commercial reporting to senior stakeholders

Process Improvement & Systems
• Improve workflows across commercial, finance, and operations
• Drive digital initiatives to enhance efficiency and real-time insight
• Promote best practice and consistency across regional teams

Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a key link between commercial, finance, operations, and clients
• Lead commercial negotiations and resolve complex issues or disputes
• Build strong, long-term relationships with clients, suppliers, and field teams

Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop commercial teams, driving a high-performance culture
• Manage resource planning and recruitment
• Support development, succession planning, and cross-functional collaboration

What you’ll get

• A senior leadership role with real influence over commercial strategy and performance
• Opportunity to shape and improve commercial processes across a growing division
• Exposure to high-value frameworks and complex infrastructure projects
• Autonomy to lead, supported by senior stakeholders and operational teams
• Clear progression opportunities as the division continues to scale

What we’re looking for

Essential
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record managing complex contracts
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and improving financial performance
• Ability to analyse performance data and translate insight into action
• Experience working across operational, financial, and client-facing teams
• Strong knowledge of commercial processes, systems, and contract administration
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
• Experience managing risk, negotiating contracts, and resolving disputes
• Proven leadership experience in developing high-performing teams
• Knowledge of construction contract frameworks (e.g. NEC, JCT)

Desirable
• Experience within rail, infrastructure, utilities, or related sectors
• Understanding of pricing strategies and financial modelling
• Experience with digital tools, automation, or data visualisation
• Involvement in bids, tenders, or commercial due diligence
• Relevant commercial or accountancy qualification

Benefits

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience

• Performance‑linked bonus: Bonus opportunities aligned to your level and contribution.

• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future

• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work

• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support

• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind

• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing

• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

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Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.