Commercial Manager - Procurement and Commercial (P&C) Rolling Stock (Trains & Trams)

Job title: Commercial Manager – Procurement and Commercial (P&C) Rolling Stock (Trains & Trams)
Salary: Circa 60,000
Grade: Band 3
Contract type: Transport for London (TfL)
Reference: 4582
Team: P&C Rolling Stock
Contract details: Permanent/Full Time
Location: Palestra/Hybrid/Depot

Application closing date: 24th June at 23.59

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right‑to‑work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. At the present time TfL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period.Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

About us

Transport for London (TfL) operates one of the most complex integrated transport networks in the world, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and London Trams. Our fleet of rolling stock is at the heart of keeping London moving safely and efficiently for millions of customers every day.

Procurement & Commercial (P&C) plays a critical role in ensuring we source, procure and manage the trains and trams that power our network—driving value, innovation and long-term performance across our supply chain.

About the role

We are looking for a Commercial Manager specialising in Rolling Stock to lead procurement and sourcing activity across fleet (trains and trams).

This role centres on the procurement of goods and services contracts that underpin critical maintenance activities. You will lead pre-contract planning and sourcing strategies, ensuring robust commercial arrangements are established to effectively support fleet maintenance and renewal programmes.

Operating in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, you will manage multiple complex procurements while leading a small team and working closely with engineering, operations and senior stakeholders.

Role highlights

• Own procurement across rolling stock maintenance and renewals (London Underground trains & trams)
• Work on high-impact rolling stock overhaul programmes that shape transport networks
• Work on high-value, complex engineering and asset-based contracts
• Lead and develop a small commercial team (direct reports) with scope to influence strategy and delivery
• Deliver procurement activity in a high-volume, fast-moving environment
• Engage with OEMs, fleet manufacturers, and specialist rail suppliers
• Play a key role in shaping long-term rolling stock category strategies commercial delivery

Working here

You’ll be part of a specialist commercial function at the heart of TfL’s rail operations, working alongside engineering, operations and asset teams.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping Rolling Stock procurement strategies, driving the future sourcing approach for London Underground’s Rolling Stock category.

We offer a collaborative, purpose-driven environment with opportunities to develop your career while making a tangible impact.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the development and delivery of rolling stock sourcing strategies aligned to fleet and asset plans
• Manage end-to-end procurement activity, from strategy through to contract award
• Deliver complex commercial negotiations with OEMs and key suppliers
• Ensure contracts deliver value for money, safety, performance and lifecycle efficiency
• Partner with engineering and operational stakeholders to shape requirements and solutions
• Develop strong supplier relationships across the rolling stock and wider fleet supply chain
• Lead, support and develop team members while ensuring delivery across multiple projects

Skills, knowledge & experience

• Strong commercial or procurement experience in rolling stock, rail, aerospace or similar asset-heavy sectors (Desirable)
• Proven experience delivering vehicle procurement, fleet programmes or complex engineering categories (Desirable)
• Experience sourcing high-value, long-term contracts through compliant public processes. (Essential)
• Strong understanding of rolling stock market dynamics and OEM supplier landscape (Desirable)
• Ability to manage multiple sourcing activities at pace (Essential)
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels (Essential)
• Experience leading or mentoring team members (Essential)
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) (Desirable)

Application Process

• Please apply using your CV only

• Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience in the advert and cover this in your CV

• PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. We also use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs to make the process fair.

Benefits

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role but mostly include the below:

• Final salary pension scheme
• Free travel for you on the TfL network
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home
• 29/30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
• TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
• Private healthcare discounted scheme Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
  Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
• Discounted Eurostar travel

We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.

Vetting Process

At Transport for London, safety, trust and fairness sit at the heart of how we recruit. Our Vetting Charter (https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/our-vetting-process) explains the checks we carry out before you join us, helping ensure we create a safe, inclusive and reliable network for everyone who depends on our services. We simply ask that the information you provide is honest and accurate so we can progress your application smoothly. If something doesn’t match or can’t be verified, we may not be able to move forward with your application, but we’ll always treat you with transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout.