At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commercial management of projects and assist with budgets and financial forecasting.
- Company: Growing rail and infrastructure business focused on developing talent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Clear progression pathway to Commercial Manager and beyond.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and mentorship while building a long-term career in commercial management.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and experience in commercial or finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you working in a commercial, estimating, quantity surveying, finance, or project support role and looking to take the next step in your career? Do you have strong Excel skills and experience managing budgets, quotations, invoices, or project finances? Are you looking for a role that offers genuine career progression within a growing rail and infrastructure business?
Location: Grantham (preferred) or Rayleigh office
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- 3% matched pension scheme
- Professional development, training and chartership support
- Hybrid working available once established in the role
- Structured progression into Commercial Manager level and beyond
Role Overview: Due to continued business growth and the successful delivery of major rail and infrastructure frameworks, my client is looking to appoint an Assistant Commercial Manager to support the commercial delivery of projects across the Eastern region. This role has been created to develop the next generation of commercial professionals within the business. Rather than recruiting an experienced Commercial Manager, the company is looking for an ambitious individual with a solid commercial foundation and the desire to build a long-term career within a supportive and growing organisation.
Working closely with experienced commercial and operational leaders, you will gain hands-on exposure to NEC4 contracts, CEMAR processes, commercial risk management, forecasting, contract administration, project financial control, and client-facing commercial activities. You will support the delivery of a wide range of projects, from reactive maintenance works valued below £10,000 through to infrastructure projects exceeding £700,000, providing excellent commercial exposure across a varied portfolio. The successful candidate will be given increasing responsibility as they develop, with a clear progression pathway into Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager positions in the future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the commercial management of multiple projects and maintenance contracts.
- Manage project budgets, monitor costs, and support financial forecasting activities.
- Prepare quotations and pricing submissions for clients.
- Process applications for payment, invoices, and commercial documentation.
- Support the management of project variations and change control processes.
- Assist with identifying and managing commercial and contractual risks.
- Work closely with operational teams to ensure commercial objectives are achieved.
- Maintain accurate commercial records using company accounting systems.
- Support reporting activities and performance analysis using Excel and other commercial tools.
- Liaise with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure projects remain commercially compliant and profitable.
Essential Requirements:
- Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project skills.
- Experience working within a commercial, finance, estimating, quantity surveying, project administration, or business support environment.
- Experience working within a commercial function within infrastructure.
- Strong numerical and analytical ability.
- Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
- Ability to pass a rail industry medical and Drugs & Alcohol screening.
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience using Sage 200, Sage 50, QuickBooks, or similar accounting systems.
- Experience working within the rail sector.
- Understanding of NEC contracts, CEMAR, variations, or change management processes.
- Experience working on planned or reactive maintenance contracts.
- Quantity Surveying, AAT, Business Administration qualification, or similar.
- Previous experience in a Quantity Surveying or Estimating role.
Why Apply? This is far more than a standard commercial support position. The business has a genuine track record of developing and promoting people from within. In fact, the current Commercial Director began their career in an administrative role before progressing through the commercial function into senior leadership. You will receive direct mentoring from experienced commercial professionals, gain exposure to major rail and infrastructure frameworks, and be supported with further qualifications, training, and professional development. Whether your background is in commercial administration, estimating, quantity surveying, finance, or project support, this role offers a rare opportunity to build a long-term career in commercial management within a business that actively invests in its people. For ambitious individuals looking to take the next step, the progression opportunities available are genuinely excellent, with a clear route towards Commercial Manager and beyond.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please email your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed).
Assistant Commercial Manager in Grantham employer: Carrington West
Join a dynamic and supportive rail and infrastructure business that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and career progression, you will have the opportunity to advance from Assistant Commercial Manager to higher roles within a collaborative team environment. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and the flexibility of hybrid working, all while contributing to impactful projects in Grantham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Manager in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your experience with budgets and project management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Manager in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Commercial Manager role. Highlight your strong Excel skills and any relevant experience in managing budgets or project finances to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this opportunity. Share your career aspirations and how you see yourself growing within our company. We love to see passion and ambition!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Whether it's commercial management, finance, or project support, make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your numerical and analytical skills, as these will be crucial in the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets or financial forecasts in previous positions, and maybe even bring along examples of your work with Excel.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NEC Contracts
Since the role involves working with NEC4 contracts, it’s a good idea to understand the basics of these contracts and their implications. You might want to read up on common terms and processes, so you can confidently discuss them during the interview.
✨Show Your Ambition
This company is looking for someone eager to grow within the organisation. Be ready to share your career aspirations and how this role fits into your long-term goals. Highlight your desire to learn and develop under experienced professionals.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture, progression opportunities, and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.