Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
GRADE: ML2/SB2
SALARY: £59,056 to £71,794 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: York or Manchester
HOURS: 37

Shape the Future of Rail with Northern

We’re delivering major upgrades across the North - from driver simulator facilities to train care centre improvements - and we’re looking for a Senior Commercial & Project Controls Manager to lead the commercial success of these projects.

You’ll oversee contract strategy, cost control, and commercial governance across high impact infrastructure programmes. Using NEC and JCT contracts, you’ll manage

contractor performance, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance - all while being part of a fast paced, delivery focused team that’s supportive, friendly, and works together to get things done.

If you’re a chartered commercial or QS professional with UK construction or rail experience, and a strong grasp of contract law and procurement, this is your chance to influence real change in a dynamic environment.

Join us and help shape a smarter, better connected future for the North.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the commercial strategy, oversight, and reporting across a portfolio of rail infrastructure and property projects
• Manage contract compliance, payments, estimates, and performance reporting ensuring accuracy and alignment with Network Rail and Northern frameworks
• Oversee and support professional services providers to ensure contract scope, risk, and valuations are handled with rigour
• Influence procurement strategy and shape early stage project estimates in collaboration with stakeholders
• Resolve complex commercial issues, claims, and disputes, ensuring projects close out efficiently and effectively

About you

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Substantial experience in the commercial management of rail, infrastructure, or construction projects
• A strong understanding of NEC, JCT, or other industry standard contracts
• Demonstrable Quantity Surveying experience
• Proven success resolving commercial risk and contract disputes in live project environments
• Ideally a relevant degree and membership of a professional body (e.g. RICS, ICE, or similar), ideally with chartered status
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to lead commercial best practice across diverse project teams

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.