Head of Commercial, Capital Investment Division

Role:

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is driving a major transformation to enhance Ireland’s rail network, with a nationwide capital investment programme focused on expanding passenger and freight capacity. As the Head of Commercial, you will act as the professional lead and oversee the portfolio performance of the commercial function for the Capital Investments (CI) Division. This senior-level role demands a strategic and hands-on leader with extensive technical experience in commercial management, contract administration, claims management and the associated governance and assurance regimes associated with these areas.

Responsibilities:

·      Define and lead the portfolio-wide commercial strategy for Capital Investments.

·      Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with organisational objectives and investment priorities.

·      Ensure value for money and effective risk management through clear commercial standards and controls.

·      Provide expert commercial guidance to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.

·      Drive best practice commercial processes and continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation.

·      Establish and manage governance and assurance frameworks to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory obligations.

·      Lead portfolio-wide commercial analysis and reporting using key metrics to provide executive insight.

·      Develop cost intelligence and benchmarking capabilities to improve investment performance and cost efficiency.

·      Oversee contract and claims management processes to ensure consistency across the capital portfolio.

·      Lead supplier performance and relationship management through data-driven evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders.

·      Build and develop high-performing commercial teams with strong professional capability and competency standards.

·      Promote innovation, collaboration, and industry best practice while ensuring commercially consistent approaches across all projects.

Ideal Candidate:

·      Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·      Proven experience to professionally lead, develop and optimise the performance of matrix structured commercial teams across multiple locations.

·      Expert level analytical and quantitative skills with proven experience in developing strategic solutions with the ability to develop collaborative relationships both internally and externally to achieve business results and improve outcomes.

·      Experience in contract law and contractual litigation

Qualifications:

·      A minimum of 15 years’ experience in the commercial management of projects, including significant exposure to large scale, complex infrastructure projects.

·      Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying or engineering or another related field.

·      Professional certifications in an appropriate discipline, such as RICS, Engineers Ireland, CIOB, CIArb etc.