Commercial/Contracts Director

Overview

Context

Commercial And Contracts Manager

• Contract Management & Oversight

• Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts related to railway projects, ensuring that the terms align with the client’s objectives.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and proactively monitor contract performance, identifying any potential issues or risks
• Manage amendments, change orders, and variations, ensuring that both the client's and JV's interests are fully considered and protected.
• Provide strategic advice to the project teams on complex contract matters, including the interpretation of terms and conditions, and offer guidance on best practices.

• Commercial Risk & Opportunity Management

• Identify and evaluate commercial risks associated with the project portfolio, developing strategies to mitigate these risks while maximizing opportunities for the client
• Implement proactive risk management strategies, ensuring both client and JV obligations and liabilities are clearly defined and effectively managed.
• Advise on the commercial implications of project delays, claims, disputes, and other contract-related issues, safeguarding the client’s interests

• Stakeholder & Joint Venture Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for all commercial and contractual matters within the project portfolio, managing relationships with the client, JV partners, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain strong and collaborative working relationships with JV partners, ensuring effective communication and alignment of commercial objectives throughout the project.
• Support the client in contract negotiations, ensuring fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial agreements are reached.

• Commercial Performance & Reporting

• Monitor and report on the financial performance of the projects, ensuring that the client’s financial interests are safeguarded and that costs, budgets, and forecasts are aligned.
• Prepare and present detailed commercial reports for senior management, the client, and JV partners, including updates on risks, financial status, and the progress of contract negotiations.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and payment processing in accordance with contract terms for both the client and JV.

• Compliance & Legal Framework

• Ensure that all contractual and commercial activities are in full compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and industry standards, including JV-specific frameworks.
• Promote compliance with JV governance procedures and contractual obligations, ensuring that all parties are adhering to agreed terms and legal requirements.

• Strategic Input & Contractual Advice

• Provide expert commercial and contractual guidance to the JV and client’s senior leadership, ensuring that strategic decisions are informed by sound contract management principles.
• Assess the commercial viability of new project opportunities and provide advice on structuring new contracts or other forms of agreements.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, laws, and market conditions affecting the railway sector, advising the client on any necessary changes or adjustments to contracts.

Profile And Skills

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Chartered status (e.g., RICS, CIPS, or equivalent) or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Proven experience (typically +15 years) in managing commercial contracts within the railway, infrastructure, or construction sectors
• In-depth knowledge of railway industry standards, regulations, and contracting practices.
• Expertise in commercial contract law, risk management, dispute resolution, and financial management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Outstanding leadership skills; inspiring interpersonal effectiveness to lead team, train talent and effect change; willing and able to be a "doer" and "influencer".
• Ability to create and write contracts and request for proposals for projects work.
• Excellent time management organization and focus on ability to priorities and multi task, with ability to focus on detail.
• Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.