Job Description

AtkinsRéalis is the UK’s leading Rail consultancy, with ambitious growth plans underpinned by major recent framework wins and a strong forward pipeline. As part of this expansion, we are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to play a key role in the commercial leadership of our Rail Systems business.

You will oversee a diverse portfolio of high‑value infrastructure contracts, including collaborative alliances and frameworks, with individual projects typically ranging from £15m to £100m Current flagship programmes include the Southern Renewals Enterprise, the National TCSF Framework with Network Rail, Eastern Routes Partnership and projects across Northern Ireland

This is a high‑profile opportunity for a commercially astute leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys client engagement, and is motivated by driving growth, performance, and value in a fast‑paced capital investment landscape.

Our Rail Systems business is responsible for delivering Design & Build (D&B) rail systems projects across the UK & Ireland. Acting primarily as Principal Contractor for Network Rail, we specialise in the design, construction, testing, and commissioning of major rail systems programmes.

We are committed to supporting work–life balance through flexible and hybrid working, operating across multiple UK offices.

Your role

As Senior Commercial Manager, you will:

• Lead and assure commercial performance across a complex portfolio of rail infrastructure projects, aligned to business objectives and KPIs.
• Act as the primary commercial interface with clients, building strong, trusted relationships and providing clear commercial leadership.
• Operate as a key member of the Commercial Leadership Team, contributing to strategic direction, governance, and decision‑making.
• Own contract administration and change control, ensuring full compliance with NEC4 and contractual obligations.
• Support the proactive management and resolution of claims, disputes, and commercial issues, achieving timely and pragmatic outcomes.
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to ensure commercial robustness, cost control, and procedural compliance.
• Present commercial positions, risks, and approvals to governance boards and senior leadership as required.
• Review, negotiate, and manage main contracts and subcontracts, identifying, mitigating, and escalating commercial risks in line with governance thresholds.
• Lead compliance with AtkinsRéalis commercial governance, including Stage Gate reviews and approvals.
• Line manage, mentor, and develop commercial teams across the portfolio, while acting as commercial lead on tender and growth opportunities.

About you

You will bring:

• A relevant degree and/or professional qualification (e.g. RICS, CICES), or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience operating at Senior Commercial Manager level within a contractor or consultancy environment.
• Strong pre‑ and post‑contract commercial management expertise across large, complex projects.
• Significant hands‑on experience with the NEC4 Contract Suite
• A strong track record in subcontractor commercial management and supply chain control.
• A collaborative, client‑focused mindset, with a “win‑win” approach and commercial pragmatism.
• Rail sector experience preferred; however, candidates from related infrastructure environments are welcomed.
• Astute understanding of client behaviours and drivers in major capital delivery programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to lead confidently, influence stakeholders, and work autonomously.
• Strong IT capability aligned to modern commercial and reporting requirements.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Contractual (Fixed Term)

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.