Commercial Manager

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

Benefits

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Duration: This role is permanent

Location: This role is based in Milton Keynes. This role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band and Salary: Band 4c £43,588- £53,167

About the role

This is a vital role in our Road, Logistics and Materials (RLM) team within the Route Services Commercial and Procurement function. You will be part of a small specialist commercial team delivering supplier and commercial management.

You will be working closely with the RLM post contract and sourcing team and Supply Chain Operations business management teams to help deliver the strategy and framework under which SCO commercial management is run.

To succeed in this role, you will need to work in line with Network Rail's Commercial Management Framework, to include the administration of commercial assurance and governance practices, support of commercial negotiations and disputes, efficiencies and continuous improvement targets, whilst supporting our contract teams to meet all regulatory requirements.

Responsible for supporting the robust management of contracts in line with internal and external assurance, governance and regulatory requirements, and providing commercial support to commercial teams in driving cost, risk, relationship and performance value.

Responsible for supporting the Commercial and Supply Chain Operations teams to:

• Manage contract administrative controls and monitoring requirements (using BravoNR e-procurement system and Oracle for spend management).
• Support internal and external assurance and governance requirements for extensions, variations and novations of contracts.
• Support regulatory requirements associated with managing contracts, to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Support on contractual issues and negotiations.
• Complete audits of supplier obligations to ensure they're being carried out in accordance with contractual requirements.

Required to develop rapport and trust at all levels within our customer teams in order to deliver a support service that adds value and meets business needs

What does the average day look like?

On a typical day as a Commercial Manager at Network Rail, you'll be supporting internal customers with escalated issues relating to claims, variations, novations and extensions. This includes supporting with shaping and implementing commercial strategies, seeking financial authorities, developing and reviewing procurement activities, overseeing compliance against governance and feeding into lessons learned to deliver best value. You'll work closely with suppliers and colleagues - from negotiating prices and managing specific contract clauses, to resolving challenges as they arise. With a sharp eye for risk and detail, you'll challenge reporting accuracy, ensure compliance with corporate governance and C&P policy and procedures, and provide clear advice on changes or disputes. You'll also play a hands-on role in driving improvements and mentoring commercial staff to support their growth. No two days are the same - but every day you'll make a real impact on how we deliver safe, efficient and sustainable rail projects and services.

Your experience and skills

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience in commercially managing investment projects
• Good understanding of railway and construction industry forms of contract
• Good understanding of the construction/railway industry

Desirable Criteria

• Educated to degree standard in related subject
• Membership of a relevant professional institute, chartered status
• Significant experience of working within a generalist commercial environment

Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:

• Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'
  For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
• Changing a physical feature of our workplace
  For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
• Providing extra equipment or assistance
  For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.

There are lots of other adjustments we can consider - please just ask!

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.

Closing date: Wednesday 5th August 2026 . Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.

On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C331st August 2026 depending on business requirements. .

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

Business, Commercial and Project Management