Head of Commercial

About the role

Balfour Beatty is looking for a Head of Commercial to provide strategic commercial leadership across the Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA).

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the commercial performance, profitability and strategic direction of the Alliance. You will own and deliver the CRSA commercial strategy, provide commercial governance and assurance, and identify opportunities to enhance income and margin within a collaborative Alliance environment.

The role will also act as the commercial lead for the tendering of new Rail Systems Alliance frameworks, ahead of mobilisation in 2029. You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary commercial team while working closely with Alliance leadership, Balfour Beatty Rail executives, Network Rail and key client, operational, finance, procurement and work-winning stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the commercial performance of the Central Rail Systems Alliance, maximising profitability and driving commercial value creation.


• Owning, developing and executing the CRSA commercial strategy in support of future growth and enhanced margins.


• Acting as commercial lead for the tendering of new Rail Systems Alliance frameworks.


• Providing commercial governance and assurance across the Alliance, including forecasting, cost control, cash flow, risk, change management and final accounts.


• Reviewing and challenging project reporting, forecasts, cost-to-complete positions and commercial risks to ensure robust performance with no surprises.


• Developing strong, strategic relationships with clients, Alliance partners, operational teams and the supply chain.


• Providing expert commercial and contractual advice to project teams and senior leadership.


• Leading the proactive management and resolution of complex contractual issues and disputes while maintaining a collaborative Alliance culture.


• Ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, regulatory and delegated financial authority requirements.


• Establishing the appropriate commercial structure, governance and resource requirements for the Alliance.


• Leading, developing and supporting a high-performing commercial team, including talent management, succession planning, recruitment and professional development.


• Promoting commercial best practice, continuous improvement, safety and Balfour Beatty's values across the Alliance.

Who we're looking for

• A senior commercial leader with a successful track record in a comparable contracting or infrastructure environment.


• Proven experience of financial and commercial control at business unit level.


• Strong commercial judgement and the business acumen to identify opportunities that improve profitability.


• A strong understanding of contract law, insurance and differing standard forms of contract.


• Strong knowledge of commercial risk management and subcontracting principles.


• The ability to provide strategic contractual and commercial advice at Director level.


• Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills.


• The ability to build effective relationships with clients, partners, colleagues and supply-chain stakeholders at all levels.


• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to develop talent, support succession planning and build high-performing teams.


• The ability to work collaboratively within an Alliance environment.


• A proactive, driven and adaptable leadership style, with a focus on achieving successful outcomes.


• Full membership of a recognised professional institute, such as RICS or CICES, is preferred.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more...

About us

Balfour Beatty works at the heart of the UK's rail networks - designing, enhancing and maintaining thousands of miles of the railways that connect communities and underpin growth.

From feasibility studies, planning and design through to implementation and asset management, we provide multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure services across the lifecycle of rail assets. Our expertise covers electrification, track, power, civils, specialist rail plant, railway systems and technologies.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we want everyone to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. We're making great progress through our Value Everyone DEI Action Plan, but we know we've got more to do. Find out more about our values and DEI initiatives.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.

We are committed to our processes being barrier-free and will support adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please let the recruiter for this role know if you require any adjustments.

We're looking to continually improve our recruitment process, so if you have any feedback, please share this with us via candidaterecruitmentenquiries@balfourbeatty.com