James Powell

• Developed and executed commercial strategy for Rail and HS2 sector in order to achieve turnover and margin targets.
• Led contract review and negotiation across NEC, JCT, and bespoke contract types.
• Focused on margin delivery and provided reporting to director board.
• Managed cashflow effectively to support sector operations.
• Engaged with strategic clients to drive growth and sustainability initiatives.
• Directed portfolio of M&E projects within UK rail and London Underground network and stations
• Operated at Tier 1 for Network Rail and Tier 2 for principal contractors, handling complex multi-million pound schemes.

• Produced strategy and executed subcontract procurement across Balfour Beatty Highways project pipeline.
• Engaged with project leads to identify procurement requirements and developed tailored project strategies.
• Advised on optimal procurement routes and facilitated drafting and reviewing of NEC subcontracts.
• Monitored procurement performance and reported progress to Balfour Beatty Highways board regularly.
• Led team in providing exemplary service through standardised processes and reduced procurement timelines.

• Led project with overall commercial responsibility, reporting to National Highways and Balfour Beatty boards.
• Regularly reported on commercial performance and project progress to stakeholders.
• Managed and developed a commercial team of 10 members with diverse experience levels.
• Delivered lessons learned to inform future Balfour Beatty RDP schemes as inaugural A2 project.
• Oversaw risk management and change processes throughout project lifecycle.

• Administered subcontract procurement for individual sections and project-wide initiatives.
• Delivered monthly CVR presentations to project leads detailing reporting cycle requirements and forecast outturn costs.
• Produced client reporting documentation in accordance with National Highways standards
• Managed risk and opportunity assessments within sections to mitigate potential issues.
• Identified and communicated Compensation Events and Early Warnings effectively.
• Oversaw development and management of seven-member direct reporting sectional commercial team.

• Established commercial processes and documentation from project initiation, detailing scope of works and cost forecasts.
• Developed and managed less experienced team members, facilitating effective change management.
• Executed subcontract procurement and administration to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Lead Change Management team overseeing NEC change process from identification to implementation, managing a challenging contract with £53m in changes.
• Identified and managed project risks, coordinating Risk Reduction Meetings to mitigate potential issues.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of new commercial agreement/ model with Highways England amidst significant changes.
• Prepared monthly applications for payment to client, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

Executed procurement, administration, and final accounting of subcontract packages.

Monitored regular site progress measures to ensure project timelines.

Prepared Bill of Quantities for accurate cost estimations.

Contributed to internal reporting by forecasting monthly operating statements for subcontract packages.

Returned to University following Industrial Placement Year (Sandwich Degree)

• Administered procurement of subcontract packages, ensuring timely delivery and compliance.
• Managed cost code allocation alongside labour allocation sheets and cost coding system.
• Conducted regular site progress assessments to monitor project progress.
• Prepared detailed Bills of Quantities for accurate financial forecasting.
• Valued and negotiated Compensation Events.
• Contributed to monthly Cost Value Reconciliation report