Commercial Director – Capital Investments, Irish Rail

Role & Purpose:

As the Commercial Director, you will lead and oversee the commercial and programme controls function for the Capital Investments Division (CI). This senior-level role demands a strategic and hands-on leader with deep expertise in commercial management, contract administration, budget control, supplier management, programme controls, risk, and governance. You will ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget, contributing to the most positive era of transformation in rail transport services in the history of the State.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct all commercial activities for the Capital Investments Division, including planning, procurement, reporting, and contract management.
• Develop and manage a commercial governance and assurance regime to incorporate commercial strategies, contract negotiation, administration, and risk management.
• Implement cost management strategies across the portfolio of CI projects, control costs, and enhance value while maintaining high-quality commercial standards.
• Establish a cost intelligence and capital project benchmarking capability within CI.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of commercial progress, cost forecasts, and financial performance for each project.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop commercial teams, ensuring the highest standards of professional performance.
• Provide senior-level oversight for project controls activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Identify, track, and analyse project risks and opportunities, developing mitigation plans when necessary.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, cost estimates, and budgets.
• Prepare project reports for stakeholders, including status updates, budget reports, and final project reviews
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across the team.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Strong leadership skills with the vision and ability to establish cross-functional relationships and drive cultural/organisational change.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and maintain credibility with people at all levels within the organisation and with industry stakeholders.
• Significant experience in leading and managing large commercial and programme control teams across complex, high-value infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience in contract negotiation, claims management, and dispute resolution.
• Solid understanding of industry regulations and standards applicable to large-scale projects.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in an appropriate discipline, such as RICS, CIOB, CIArb, etc.

Join Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail and be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of Ireland’s transport network. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on the nation’s infrastructure.

For further information on the role, please contact PwC Executive Search; Ellen Roche at +353 87 637 0812 or Laura Harrington at +353 87 378 3010.

To make an application for this role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to: ie_recruitment_ie_infracomm@pwc.com

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5.30pm on Friday, 28th March 2025.

IÉ is a subsidiary of the commercial semi-state group of transport companies, Córas Iompair Éireann, and its activities are regulated by the National Transport Authority and by the Commission for Railway Regulation. Irish Rail is an equal opportunities employer.