Commercial Lead

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Global Leader in Transport & Infrastructure Consulting

WSP is a leading consultancy in the planning, design and delivery of transport and infrastructure solutions that support sustainable growth and resilient communities worldwide.

Our global community of professionals brings together civil and structural engineers, digital specialists and programme delivery experts working collaboratively to combine best practice with strong local insight. We form agile, multi disciplinary teams to address the unique technical and societal challenges of each project.

Ireland is entering a transformational period of investment in rail, public transport and major infrastructure. With significant programmes planned and underway across the sector, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to play a leading role in establishing and growing WSP’s commercial management capability in Ireland.

A little more about your role…

You will join WSP's Project Management and Commercial Management (PMCM) Rail and Infrastructure business, a growing team that provides programme management, project management, commercial management, estimating, project controls and advisory services across major transport and infrastructure programmes. 

As Commercial Lead you will be responsible for establishing, leading and growing WSP's commercial management capability across the Irish rail, transport and infrastructure sectors. This is a strategic leadership role combining client engagement, commercial consultancy, team development and business growth.

Ireland is entering a transformational period of investment in rail and infrastructure, creating significant opportunities across major programmes and capital projects. Working closely with colleagues across Ireland and the wider UK PMCM business, you will play a leading role in positioning WSP as a trusted commercial management partner to public and private sector clients.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who wants to combine technical excellence, client relationship management and business growth. You will have the autonomy to develop client relationships, influence major programmes, shape a growing team and contribute directly to the development of WSP's PMCM business in Ireland.

Reporting to the PMCM leadership team, you will provide strategic commercial leadership across bids, projects and client commissions, supporting the successful delivery of commercial management, contract administration, estimating, procurement and commercial assurance services. You will also act as a trusted adviser to clients and colleagues, helping to manage risk, improve commercial performance and deliver successful project outcomes.
 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Capability Development

• Establish and lead WSP's commercial management capability within the Ireland business.
• Develop and implement a growth strategy aligned with WSP's wider PMCM and Transport sector ambitions.
• Recruit, mentor and develop commercial management professionals, creating a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
• Promote technical excellence, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across commercial management services.
• Work closely with PMCM, Transport and Infrastructure leadership teams across the UK and Ireland.

Client and Business Development

• Develop trusted relationships with key clients, stakeholders and industry partners across the Irish transport and infrastructure market.
• Identify, shape and secure opportunities for commercial management, estimating, project controls and advisory services.
• Support strategic pursuits, framework opportunities and major bid submissions.
• Contribute to account management activities and help grow WSP's market presence across rail, transport and infrastructure sectors.
• Represent WSP at industry events, client forums and professional networks.

Commercial Consultancy and Project Delivery

• Provide senior commercial leadership on major infrastructure and transportation programmes.
• Lead the provision of commercial management services including contract administration, procurement support, change management, cost assurance, claims management and commercial governance.
• Support clients in developing robust commercial strategies, risk management approaches and project delivery frameworks.
• Provide expert advice on standard forms of contract including NEC, FIDIC and bespoke commercial arrangements.
• Support the resolution of commercial issues, disputes and settlement negotiations where required.
• Ensure high standards of service delivery, governance and commercial performance across all commissions.

Operational Excellence

• Support the effective management of project financial performance and resource planning.
• Drive consistency, quality and best practice across commercial management services.
• Monitor commercial risks and opportunities, ensuring appropriate mitigation and reporting.
• Contribute to business planning, forecasting and performance management activities.
• Champion safe, sustainable and collaborative delivery practices throughout the business.

What we are looking for you to demonstrate…

• A proven track record of leading commercial management services within major transport, rail or infrastructure environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience advising clients on complex projects and programmes.
• Demonstrable experience developing client relationships and securing new business opportunities.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building, mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience delivering commercial management services across the full project lifecycle.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver practical solutions and tangible outcomes.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style aligned with WSP's values and culture.

Professional Experience

• Significant experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, cost management or related commercial disciplines.
• Experience working on major transport, rail, infrastructure or capital delivery programmes.
• Strong understanding of commercial governance, procurement, contract administration and risk management.
• Demonstrable experience working under NEC, FIDIC and other recognised forms of contract.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships at a senior level.
• Relevant degree qualification together with appropriate professional membership (RICS, ICES, CIOB or equivalent).
• Experience within the Irish infrastructure and transportation sector would be advantageous but is not essential

If you're looking for a role where you can combine leadership, client engagement, technical expertise and business growth, we'd like to hear from you.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. 
 
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

#LI-TD1

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.