GRADE: ML2/SB1
SALARY: £60,000
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: York, Leeds, Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week
Behind every reliable train journey is a web of projects that need sharp commercial oversight. As part of our Infrastructure Projects team at Northern, you’d play a central role in making sure major investment programmes are delivered compliantly, efficiently and with value for money at their heart.
This role sits across a portfolio of complex rail projects worth up to £50m. You’ll bring clarity to commercial decision-making, guide project teams through risk and challenge, and help shape how we work with contractors, professional services partners and third-party funders. It’s a role with real influence – not just over budgets and contracts, but over how we improve the railway for the North.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll lead the commercial management of a programme of infrastructure projects, making sure everything stacks up from contract award through to final account. That includes:
- Providing commercial oversight across contractor and professional services contracts, project estimates, reporting and governance compliance
- Leading and supporting project teams to manage valuations, applications for payment and certification in line with contractual entitlement and Network Rail processes
- Challenging costs, auditing where appropriate, and making sure valuations reflect real progress on site
- Managing third-party funding and Asset Protection Agreements so obligations are clearly captured, understood and delivered
- Leading negotiations to resolve commercial issues, claims and disputes
- Developing early-stage cost estimates and detailed cost plans that cover the full life of each project
- Influencing procurement strategies and overseeing pre- and post-contract activities
- Managing change control, risk, value engineering and lessons learned at programme level
- Line managing a small team of Assistant Commercial Managers, supporting their development and making sure resources are used effectively
Alongside the commercial detail, you’ll help project teams plan properly – setting clear objectives, timelines, resources and deliverables so projects are set up to succeed from day one.
About you
Commercial leadership, calm judgement and confidence with complexity – that’s what you’ll bring.
You’ll have:
- Experience commercially managing major construction or rail investment projects, ideally in a safety-critical environment
- A solid understanding of construction contracts such as NEC and JCT
- Confidence identifying and managing commercial risk, change and dispute resolution
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into clear advice for senior stakeholders
- The credibility to challenge constructively and influence at all levels
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, plus membership of a professional institute – chartered status included
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.
- 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 a 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.