Assistant Commercial Manager

Company: Transport for London
Apply for the Assistant Commercial Manager
Location: Greater London
Job Description:

Overview

Salary: c.£41k plus generous benefits package including final salary pension and free travel on the TfL network. Contract Type – TfL, permanent.

Location: Hybrid working, office location London (various). Hybrid working: 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.

Flexible working arrangements: we welcome and support flexible working arrangements, including part time working and job sharing as part of our commitment to wellbeing and diversity. This opportunity is open to people who already work flexibly or who would like to explore more flexible working options.

We aspire to be as diverse as the city we serve, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Overview of project/role: Help shape the future of London’s transport.

London is a dynamic city, home to 8.6 million people and visited by millions more each year. Keeping the capital moving safely, efficiently and sustainably is a complex challenge – one that depends on smart commercial decisions, strong supplier relationships and appropriate, effective procurement options.

About the Procurement & Commercial team

Join our Procurement and Commercial (P&C) team. We play a vital role in meeting this challenge, making a positive and lasting impact across TfL assets and services, suppliers and markets. Through effective sourcing and strong collaboration, we help move London forward safely, sustainably and inclusively. We give our people the opportunity to make a real difference while growing their procurement and commercial careers in a supportive environment. Our new category-led operating model brings a more agile way of working, enabling colleagues to broaden their experience and progress their careers. We offer clear career progression opportunities, a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity, and a culture that recognises the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

Role focus

Deliver commercial excellence for London. Join us and you’ll quickly build your procurement and commercial expertise across pre-contract, post-contractor full commercial lifecycle activities. You will gain hands-on experience in commercial strategy, sourcing and contract management, building practical skills while delivering value for money for our customers. Working with experienced colleagues, you’ll help drive strong commercial decisions and build effective relationships with suppliers. You will deepen your understanding of commercial risk management and play a key role in supporting an organisation that millions of Londoners rely on every day.

Key responsibilities

Plan commercial approaches aligned with business requirements, category strategies and market trends. Establish relevant sourcing options and analysis to deliver positive outcomes through the procurement process. Support, and in some cases own, end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, identifying appropriate procurement routes, analysing options and guiding stakeholders through end-to-end commercial processes. Support contract and supplier management through performance monitoring and reporting as well as helping implement supply chain and supplier relationship strategies. Manage medium to high complexity contracts throughout the commercial lifecycle, ensuring compliance, effective governance, risk and issue management, financial control and stakeholder engagement. Maintain strong supplier relationships, assess risks, support business continuity and drive value for money while protecting TfL’s commercial position. Develop and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships providing commercial advice and aligning business requirements with category strategies. Enhance procurement best practice contributing to maintenance of systems, processes, documentation and data across P&C. Understand and incorporate responsible procurement best practice supporting ethical, sustainable and socially responsible outcomes in all commercial activities.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience stated below and cover this in your maximum 2-page CV. Size 12 Arial font preferred, and to be compatible with our anonymisation software must be in Word format and should not include photographs or images.

Knowledge

  • Commercial knowledge, including the principles of end-to-end commercial lifecycle management (essential)
  • Basic understanding of construction methods, material and sustainability principles (essential for construction focused roles only)
  • Knowledge of how to use commercial tools appropriately to support effective decision-making (desirable)
  • Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements relating to procurement and contract management activity (e.g. commercial law) (desirable)
  • Membership of relevant professional body (desirable)

Skills

  • Able to communicate and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, using different communication styles to establish relationships (essential)
  • Able to work as part of a team to support performance, manage challenges and resolve issues collaboratively (essential)
  • Basic understanding of commercial principles in construction and infrastructure, with an awareness of health and safety responsibilities and Construction (Design & Management) (CDM) 2015 (essential for construction focused roles only)
  • Able to support with securing value for money within a complex commercial environment (desirable)
  • Able to apply standards to eliminate corruption, fraud and unethical behaviour in supply chains, taking appropriate actions in the event of any alleged breach of standards. This includes considering and implementing responsible procurement practice (desirable)
  • Able to manage commercial and contractual risks within area of responsibility (desirable)

Experience

  • Transferable experience within a procurement, commercial, buying or similar type role (essential)
  • Understanding of end-to-end commercial lifecycle management (essential)
  • Construction experience gained through apprenticeship, internship or junior role in the sector (essential for construction focused roles only)
  • Please note:

Application process and campaign details

This recruitment campaign is to recruit for a number of permanent opportunities as well as recruiting to a waitlist. Due to the expected high response to these vacancies, we reserve the right to close this campaign once we have a suitable pool of applicants, which could be prior to the published application closing date. The process consists of 5 stages including an Online Test, CV review and attending in person Interview. You will need to pass each stage to progress to the next. Please note we reserve the right to add an additional assessment should we receive a high number of applicants. Campaign timetable: dates for interviews will be opened on an ongoing basis; if there are no slots available, please check again the following day. If you do not book an interview, you will be withdrawn from the campaign.

Confidentiality of the recruitment process: Please be aware that sharing any details of your interview process or internal information with others may result in your offer being withdrawn immediately. This includes posting or discussing details in online forums, social media groups, or messaging platforms. Maintaining confidentiality is essential to ensure fairness and compliance throughout the recruitment process. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact us directly rather than seeking advice in external groups. Failure to comply may lead to withdrawal without notice.

Candidate Charter: You can download a copy of the Candidate Charter here. This outlines our commitment to you as a candidate by providing insight into our recruitment process. It also outlines our expectations with regards to your engagement with us, to ensure that you receive the best recruitment experience possible.

Reasonable Adjustment Process: If you require reasonable adjustments, you must notify the recruitment at least 48 hours (excluding weekends) prior to your scheduled interview event to allow us to accommodate your requirements. You will then be sent a confirmation email. If you fail to bring this on the day your adjustments will not be granted. We will consider your own requirements fairly within the context of the role. For any online tests, please advise before you begin. Requests for reasonable adjustments cannot be made after the test has started. Disability Charter information is available here.

Notice of Cancellation: If you need to cancel or re-book your attendance at an interview, you must call or email with a minimum of two working days’ notice. Interview rescheduling is subject to slot availability.

Vetting Process: At TfL, safety, trust and fairness sit at the heart of how we recruit. Our Vetting Charter explains the checks we carry out before you join us. 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, but we will treat you with transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout.

Appointment to post: Candidates must pass pre-employment checks such as DBS check and employment referencing. There may be a delay in start date.

Contacting Us: If you need to speak to someone within the Recruitment Team, please contact 0203 005 1680 or email HighVolumeCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk.

Visa Sponsorship: TfL is currently unable to provide sponsorship to candidates for this role. For immigration queries, check the Government website.

Benefits

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary by business area but mostly include:

  • Final salary pension scheme
  • Free travel for you on the TfL network
  • 75% reimbursement on National Rail travel from home or 28-day flexi ticket
  • 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
  • Hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
  • Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional)
  • Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
  • Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
  • Discounted Eurostar travel

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all essential criteria. We also anonymise CVs to help fairness.

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Posted: April 10th, 2026