Commercial Manager - Pre-Contract

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Context

We are looking for a Commercial Manager (Pre-Contract) to join our Commercial team in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded professional to play a key role in supporting work-winning activity across a diverse portfolio of opportunities.

In this role, you will provide commercial support throughout the bid and pre-contract phase, helping to review, assess and negotiate a wide range of contractual documentation with clients, partners and supply chain organisations. You will work closely with bid teams, legal colleagues and senior commercial leaders to identify risk, shape commercial strategy and support successful contract outcomes.

This position would suit someone with strong contract knowledge, sound commercial judgement and the confidence to influence internal and external stakeholders. You will also support the handover into delivery teams post-award, helping to ensure a smooth transition from pre-contract to project execution. 

Missions/Main Duties

• Review, assess and negotiate a range of pre-contract documentation, including NDAs, MoUs, Teaming Agreements, Design Services Agreements and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Support the preparation and commercial review of tender and bid documentation.
• Carry out commercial and contractual risk assessments, identifying key issues and proposing practical solutions.
• Negotiate amendments to contract terms with clients, supply chain partners and joint venture stakeholders.
• Work closely with bid teams and senior commercial colleagues to help define and implement bid commercial strategies.
• Provide commercial input into pricing strategy and wider work-winning activity.
• Liaise with internal legal teams to support contract review, approvals and governance requirements.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising quality or client outcomes.
• Support the handover of awarded contracts to project commercial teams, including escalation of key issues where required.
• Maintain strong commercial relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, contractors and delivery partners.
• Contribute to monthly commercial reporting and ensure compliance with internal commercial processes, including change and risk management.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture aligned with company values and behavioural expectations.

Profile/Skills

• Proven experience in a commercial, contracts or procurement role, ideally within sectors such as rail, highways, water, environment, energy, consultancy, PMO services or related infrastructure markets.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract, particularly NEC, together with broader service and consultancy contract arrangements.
• Demonstrable experience supporting bids, tenders and other pre-contract commercial activity.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to identify risk and negotiate balanced contractual outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across internal teams, clients and partners.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work confidently across multiple opportunities, balancing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, with chartership or professional membership desirable.
• A proactive and professional approach, with a strong commitment to governance, quality and continuous improvement.
• An appreciation of safe working practices and a commitment to supporting an inclusive and respectful working environment.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how Systra can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email:

[email protected] where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.

Workplace Type

Hybrid