Head of Commercial Services

Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we’re empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing., The post is responsible for managing a diverse set of teams who provides commercial support across the business units and functions in the Wales and Western Region . You will be responsible for commercially manging the delivery Frameworks supporting multi-million-pound projects within Wales & Western Region.

You will be working closely with stakeholders, suppliers and project teams coordinating activities and providing stakeholders with commercial support and guidance as required whilst ensuring compliance with our internal governance policies.

Commercial Services is a group of four teams:

1) Supporting the regional investment and asset protection organisations managing commercial activities with investment partners and third parties

2) Providing estimating services into the capital delivery organisation for asset renewals and enhancement schemes.

3) Providing commercial services supporting asset inspections & examinations and isolations

4) Managing the road vehicle fleet across the region

This team’s focus is providing effective pre and post contract commercial support across a wide range of projects.

About the role (External)

Develop, implement and maintain complex commercial funding strategies.

Develop, implement and maintain complex third party and industry commercial strategies.

Lead negotiation of complex, and high value contracts, achieving best value. Prepare and execute the corresponding contracts.

Lead commercial activity, which is compliant with Network Rail policies, procedures and governance and legal (including EU Directives) and regulatory requirements.

Identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities, including contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and the establishment of tools to benchmark programme efficiencies.

Influence and liaise with other Industry and national programmes to manage consistency in the commercial approach to supply market.

Identify key commercial and contractual risks to business and manage contracts to mitigate risk.

Develop appropriate processes and systems to regularly measure and monitor supplier performance and exercise delegated authority to procure in accordance with established policies and governance.

Contribute to the development and implementation of best practice systems and processes for the effective, efficient and consistent management of procurement and supply chain activities.
Lead and direct the preparation and implementation of appropriate commercial assurance regimes and prepare robust tender documents structuring the pricing document to facilitate cost analysis feedback for high value/high risk contracts and manage the whole tender process.

· Proven commercial leadership at a functional level

· Successful experience in negotiating commercial arrangements

· Substantial experience in setting up, implementing and running 3^rd Party financing and commercial arrangements

· Qualified to degree level in relevant subject area

· Chartered membership of relevant professional institution

· Thorough knowledge of construction and third-party contracts and contract requirements

· Proven experience of balancing stakeholder expectations against the needs and capabilities of the business and suppliers

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Practitioner experience of risk management and contracts assurance

Desirable

· Wide and successful management background either in rail or construction industry with extensive experience at a senior level of procurement and contracting

· Experience of operating contracts and procurement processes and procedures within Network Rail

Experience of leading private financing programmes and/or complex multiple party commercial arrangements

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.