Commercial Manager

About The Position

Are you a seasoned commercial professional with a strong background in passenger rail construction? We are seeking a Commercial Manager to take charge of the financial, contractual, and strategic aspects of a major rail infrastructure project. In this role, you will oversee commercial operations, ensuring alignment with project objectives and contractual obligations while driving efficiency and value. You will lead contract negotiations, procurement planning, and governance processes, providing strategic oversight on all commercial matters. With a key focus on risk management, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s financial success and operational excellence. If you have a proven track record in commercial leadership within large-scale rail projects and thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, we invite you to apply and be part of a transformative infrastructure initiative.

This is a long-term, full-time, onsite position located in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston metro areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all commercial aspects of passenger rail construction projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and contractual requirements.
• Lead the planning and execution of commercial, contract, and procurement workshops specific to rail infrastructure development.
• Ensure the accessibility and effective implementation of commercial, contract, and procurement tools and software across the rail project team.
• Define and establish commercial, contract, and procurement strategies essential for the delivery partner to successfully fulfill their scope of work in rail construction.
• Identify, allocate, and approve the commercial, contract, and procurement resources required for the delivery phase, ensuring alignment with client agreements and rail project demands.
• Review and validate all contractual and commercial aspects related to stakeholder engagement, including compliance with rail industry regulations and project contract requirements.
• Ensure the efficient administration and governance of all commercial and contractual functions, maintaining adherence to industry standards, tools, systems, and organizational frameworks.
• Actively participate in governance workshops to support effective decision-making in the rail construction program.
• Serve as the key authority on all commercial and contract-related matters within the rail project, providing strategic leadership and oversight.
• Assess and allocate the necessary commercial and contract resources for executive-level reviews, ensuring financial and operational efficiency in rail infrastructure development.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of commercial, contract, and procurement presentations to investment panels and client executives, highlighting key financial, risk, and performance insights relevant to rail projects.
  
  

Skills And Attributes

• Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Strong decision-making, visionary leadership, and the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Clear verbal and written communication, ability to engage senior stakeholders, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Critical thinking, adaptability, risk assessment, and attention to detail in financial and contractual matters.
• Resilience & Professionalism: Ability to work under pressure, uphold ethical business practices, and drive continuous improvement in commercial operations.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10 years of commercial management experience, with at least 5 years in large-scale transit or infrastructure construction projects.
• Proven experience managing complex contracts, procurement strategies, and supplier negotiations within the transit, rail transit, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and risk mitigation in large capital projects.
• Ability to engage with senior executives, regulatory bodies, and project teams while ensuring compliance with governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commercial teams, make high-level strategic decisions, and drive project success.
• Experience with contract management systems, financial modeling tools, and project management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Primavera, or similar).
• Understanding of transit construction regulations, procurement laws, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Work, Excel, etc.)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15 years of commercial management experience, with a strong track record in passenger rail construction projects.
• Proven experience managing complex contracts, procurement strategies, and supplier negotiations.
• Deep understanding of rail construction regulations, procurement laws, and industry best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, risk assessment methodologies, and value engineering for rail infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of rail industry regulations, public procurement laws, and transportation authority guidelines.
  
  

Compensation Details

The salary range listed for this role is $150k-$225k/yr ($72-$108/hr). If you meet the requirements of the position, we’d like to speak with you. Please do not let our salary range deter your application. The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care)
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution
• Formal Career Planning and Development Program
• $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development
• Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement
• Free Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support with a Registered Dietitian
• Free Personal Financial Planning Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Specific plan details for each benefit offering above will be provided upon offer (e.g., percentages of coverage, premium costs, etc.) #IN-LNJS
  
  

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.