Commercial Manager

Location: Cardiff
Employment Type: Contract (Inside IR35)
Client: Secondment to Transport for Wales
Sector: Rail
Contract Type: Full-Time, Inside IR35

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join our consultancy team on a contract basis, working inside IR35. This role will be based in Cardiff and seconded to Transport for Wales, supporting ongoing rail infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in commercial management within the rail sector and a strong working knowledge of the NEC contract suite.

Key Responsibilities
Contract Management: Manage and administer NEC contracts, ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions and resolving any contractual issues efficiently.
Cost Control: Monitor and manage project costs, ensuring alignment with budgets, and providing detailed cost reports to the client and key stakeholders.
Risk Management: Identify and assess potential commercial risks, putting in place mitigation strategies to minimize the impact on project outcomes.
Client Engagement: Act as the main point of contact between the consultancy and Transport for Wales, maintaining positive relationships and ensuring consistent communication.
Project Planning & Delivery: Provide commercial support across multiple projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget, whilst maintaining quality standards.
Change Control: Effectively manage variations and changes to contracts, ensuring robust processes are in place for approvals, documentation, and reporting.
Dispute Resolution: Lead or support the resolution of commercial disputes or claims with suppliers and contractors, using negotiation, mediation, or adjudication methods.
Performance Monitoring: Track the performance of contractors and suppliers, ensuring compliance with key performance indicators (KPIs) and contract deliverables.
Compliance and Governance: Ensure all commercial activities are compliant with relevant governance frameworks, policies, and statutory obligations.
Requirements
Rail Sector Experience: Extensive commercial management experience within the rail industry, particularly in infrastructure or civil engineering projects.
NEC Contract Experience: Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts (e.g. NEC Option C) is essential.
IR35 Knowledge: Experience working within IR35 regulations on public sector contracts.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Proven track record in cost control, budgeting, and forecasting in large-scale projects.
Risk Management: Experience in identifying and mitigating commercial risks within infrastructure projects.
Client-Facing Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail when managing costs, contracts, and compliance.
Dispute Resolution: Experience managing and resolving commercial disputes, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for the client.
Qualifications
Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Chartered status (e.g. MRICS, MCIOB) is desirable but not essential.
Extensive practical experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts.
Strong working knowledge of UK rail regulations and industry standards.
Location
This role is based in Cardiff and may involve travel across various Transport for Wales sites.