Lead the commercial function across a portfolio of major rail and infrastructure projects, programmes and strategic frameworks for SYSTRA UK, with responsibility for commercial strategy, profitability, contractual risk, governance and client relationships.

Job Description

SYSTRA is seeking a Commercial Director (Rail) to provide strategic commercial leadership across its portfolio of rail and infrastructure projects, frameworks and programmes.

The role is responsible for driving commercial excellence and profitable growth while managing contractual and commercial risk throughout the project lifecycle. The Commercial Director will work closely with project teams, senior management and strategic clients while protecting SYSTRA’s contractual and commercial interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management across major rail projects, programmes and frameworks.
• Develop commercial strategies supporting profitability and sustainable growth.
• Provide leadership to Business Directors, Project Directors and Project Managers.
• Lead commercial management of major infrastructure contracts.
• Provide expert commercial advice on NEC4 and other contract forms.
• Lead negotiations involving compensation events, amendments and commercial settlements.
• Manage contractual risk, claims avoidance and dispute resolution.
• Oversee Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR), revenue recognition, forecasting and profitability.
• Support bids, tenders, pricing strategies and framework opportunities.
• Maintain relationships with strategic clients and joint-venture partners.
• Lead and develop commercial teams.
• Chair commercial reviews and support project audits.

Essential Requirements

Experience: Extensive commercial leadership experience within rail, infrastructure or engineering, including experience managing major programmes and strategic frameworks.

Commercial expertise: Strong knowledge of NEC4 and other contracts, commercial negotiation, project finance, forecasting, CVRs and commercial risk management.

Leadership: Proven experience leading commercial teams and working with senior client organisations.

Education: Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience.

Professional Membership: Chartered status with RICS, ICES, CICES or equivalent, or working towards chartership.

Desirable Experience

• Joint ventures and alliance contracts
• Network Rail or other public-sector infrastructure clients
• Major bids and framework competitions
• International engineering consultancy experience

Benefits

SYSTRA states that the package includes competitive remuneration, bonus, private healthcare, an electric car scheme and flexible benefits. The company also offers hybrid and flexible working arrangements.