Utilities Commercial Manager

If you possess expertise in NEC3 and NEC4 contract options and have a proven track record in managing substantial project budgets, we want to hear from you.
Transport for West Midlands’ (TfWM) £2.2 billion capital programme encompasses major road, metro, and rail infrastructure projects, all of which have substantial implications for utilities and statutory apparatus. Our ambitious Delivery Directorate have a brand-new role for an experienced Utilities Commercial Manager to develop commercial and procurement strategies while overseeing the budget and delivery programmes for utilities works, with an estimated annual expenditure of approximately £10 million.
Joining a team of technical experts, you will take a pivotal role in monitoring the cost and budget of the utility diversion programme. You will be responsible for contract management and will oversee the commercial aspects of contestable and third-party non-contestable utilities works for major capital projects.
Collaborating across our dynamic and fast-paced Delivery Directorate, you will play a key role in major projects such as Metro Birmingham Eastside, the Brierley Hill Extension, and Sprint. Your expertise will ensure comprehensive guidance on all commercial aspects throughout the design and delivery phases of these transformative infrastructure initiatives.
What you will be doing:

• Manage and oversee the financial and commercial aspects of utility works.
• Work collaboratively across TfWM and Statutory Undertakers, key stakeholders, and the wider supply chain to deliver the utilities elements of major infrastructure projects.
• Responsible for commercial management of significant procurement packages through to final certification.
• Provide technical commercial input across the supply chain within a procurement and commercial context.
• Provide commercial advice and apply innovative thinking in managing the utilities impacts in detailed design.
• Manage budgets and ensure that financial administration, monitoring, and reporting are of the highest standard.
• Report project progress to senior project sponsors.
• Highlight key risks within the advanced utility schedule.

What’s essential:

• Experience with procurement processes within local government.
• Experience of leading commercial aspects of utility related projects or works for major infrastructure projects.
• Experience of procurement and development of commercial strategies for contestable utilities works, including tender development, NEC contract management, and early contractor involvement.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrable and thorough working commercial knowledge of NEC4 and NEC3 contract options, as well as procurement and management processes.
• Ability to effectively manage large project budgets and project finances including forecasting and reporting.

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You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should evidence (using examples) how your skills and experience match the essential criteria of the role that you are applying for. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Salary and benefits: We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (in addition to bank holidays and an option to purchase more leave!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology through your payroll, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location: We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, with site visits included. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
Creating an inclusive workplace: We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.