Network Rail
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Benefits
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependent), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to terms and conditions).
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Plus more….
Vacancy Details
Duration: This role is permanent.
Location: This role is based in Milton Keynes. This role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band and Salary: Band 4c £43,588 – £53,167.
About the Role
This is a vital role in our Road, Logistics and Materials (RLM) team within the Route Services Commercial and Procurement function. You will be part of a small specialist commercial team delivering supplier and commercial management. You will be working closely with the RLM post contract and sourcing team and Supply Chain Operations business management teams to help deliver the strategy and framework under which SCO commercial management is run.
To succeed in this role, you will need to work in line with Network Rail’s Commercial Management Framework, to include the administration of commercial assurance and governance practices, support of commercial negotiations and disputes, efficiencies and continuous improvement targets, whilst supporting our contract teams to meet all regulatory requirements.
Responsible for supporting the robust management of contracts in line with internal and external assurance, governance and regulatory requirements, and providing commercial support to commercial teams in driving cost, risk, relationship and performance value.
Responsible for supporting the Commercial and Supply Chain Operations teams to:
- Manage contract administrative controls and monitoring requirements (using BravoNR e-procurement system and Oracle for spend management).
- Support internal and external assurance and governance requirements for extensions, variations and novations of contracts.
- Support regulatory requirements associated with managing contracts, to ensure compliance with legislation.
- Support on contractual issues and negotiations.
- Complete audits of supplier obligations to ensure they’re being carried out in accordance with contractual requirements.
Required to develop rapport and trust at all levels within our customer teams in order to deliver a support service that adds value and meets business needs.
What Does the Average Day Look Like?
On a typical day as a Commercial Manager at Network Rail, you’ll be supporting internal customers with escalated issues relating to claims, variations, novations and extensions. This includes supporting with shaping and implementing commercial strategies, seeking financial authorities, developing and reviewing procurement activities, overseeing compliance against governance and feeding into lessons learned to deliver best value. You’ll work closely with suppliers and colleagues – from negotiating prices and managing specific contract clauses, to resolving challenges as they arise. With a sharp eye for risk and detail, you’ll challenge reporting accuracy, ensure compliance with corporate governance and C&P policy and procedures, and provide clear advice on changes or disputes. You’ll also play a hands-on role in driving improvements and mentoring commercial staff to support their growth. No two days are the same – but every day you’ll make a real impact on how we deliver safe, efficient and sustainable rail projects and services.
Your Experience and Skills
Who Are We Looking For?
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable experience in commercially managing investment projects.
- Demonstrable relevant experience.
- Good understanding of railway and construction industry forms of contract.
- Good understanding of the construction/railway industry.
- Good negotiation skills.
Please see attached job description for full details.
Desirable Criteria
- Educated to degree standard in a related subject.
- Membership of a relevant professional institute, chartered status.
- Significant experience of working within a generalist commercial environment.
- Awareness of industry issues.
Additional Information
Adjustments we can make include: Changing a provision, practice or ‘the way things are done’ – For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online tasks or interviews as needed. Changing a physical feature of our workplace – For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs. Providing extra equipment or assistance – For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available. There are lots of other adjustments we can consider – please just ask!
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.
Closing date: Wednesday 5th August 2026. Late applicants will not be accepted.
This role is being advertised internally and externally. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 31st August 2026 depending on business requirements.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
