At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Great Grid Upgrade by managing contracts, financial tracking, and reporting.
- Company: Join ARUP, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to shaping a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values individuality and promotes diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy projects while collaborating with talented professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial or project support roles, with strong attention to detail and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with ARUP, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Joining Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. You will join a collaborative programme team supporting the Great Grid Upgrade, a key UK infrastructure initiative. Working alongside commercial, finance, project controls and technical colleagues, you will contribute to delivering projects that support the transition to a more sustainable energy network.
The Opportunity: We are looking for a Commercial Assistant to support the delivery of the Great Grid Upgrade programme, one of the UK's most significant infrastructure initiatives. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring that commercial processes, financial tracking and reporting are delivered accurately and on time, helping to support effective programme performance and governance.
You will work closely with the Commercial Manager, Commercial Lead and wider PMO team, collaborating with colleagues across finance, project controls and technical disciplines. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the administration of contracts and commercial documentation
- Maintaining accurate records
- Assisting with cost tracking and reporting
- Coordinating activities such as Applications for Payment, invoicing and procurement processes
- Contributing to change control processes
- Supporting the preparation of commercial reports and dashboards
- Ensuring all documentation aligns with internal governance and audit requirements
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with commercial or project support experience who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and contributing to the successful delivery of complex infrastructure programmes.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective - in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you? We are looking for people who:
- Have experience in a commercial, finance or project support role, ideally within infrastructure, engineering or a similar environment
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work
- Have an understanding of commercial processes or cost tracking (experience with NEC contracts is beneficial)
- Bring strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Show a proactive approach, with a willingness to learn and develop within a commercial environment
What We Offer you: At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive - through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
Different People, Shared Values: Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact us to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Assistant
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Arup, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Assistant at Arup.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!