At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commercial management on major HS2 projects and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a leader in UK infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 12% pension, healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Fast-track your career with clear progression to Commercial Manager in just two years.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Graduate Quantity Surveyors or those with relevant experience.
2 Opportunities: Old Oak Common Station & London Tunnels
Working directly for High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 + 12% Pension + Healthcare + 25 Days Holiday
Location: London Euston OR Acton OR West Ruislip – Hybrid, typically 3 days office/site
Next Step: Commercial Manager – £70,000–£75,000 + package
Typical progression: Around 2 years, subject to performance
Projects: £1.67bn Old Oak Common Station or £4.2bn London Tunnels Main Works Civils
The Opportunity
High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd is recruiting two Assistant Commercial Managers to join its commercial teams, with one position based on the £1.67bn Old Oak Common Station project and the other on the £4.2bn London Tunnels Main Works Civils contract. These are excellent opportunities for a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Quantity Surveyor or Assistant Cost Manager looking to move into a client-side commercial role on two of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. You'll gain exposure to major commercial activities across complex, multidisciplinary programmes rather than being restricted to a small package of work. Working directly for HS2, you'll gain experience across:
- Major civil engineering, structures and underground works
- Stations, buildings, MEP and rail systems
- Procurement and contract management
- NEC contract administration and Compensation Events
- Cost assurance, risk and change management
- Commercial reporting, forecasting and payment processes
The scale and multidisciplinary nature of these projects provides the opportunity to build a breadth of commercial experience that would typically take many years to develop elsewhere. You'll also gain exposure to evolving approaches to NEC contract management and Compensation Events, providing insight into modern commercial practices being implemented across major infrastructure delivery.
The Projects
Old Oak Common Station – £1.67bn
Old Oak Common will become one of the UK's most significant and best-connected railway stations, integrating HS2, National Rail, London Underground and the Elizabeth line. The station includes 14 platforms and an approximately 850m-long station box, creating a major engineering and commercial challenge. The project provides exposure to a wide range of disciplines across the development and delivery of one of the UK's most important transport hubs.
London Tunnels – £4.2bn Main Works Civils
The London Tunnels Main Works Civils contract is being delivered by the SCS Joint Venture – Costain, Skanska and STRABAG. The scope includes:
- Tunnelling, shafts and portal structures
- Green tunnels, bridges and heavy civils
- Cross passages and underground structures
- Major utility diversions and associated infrastructure
- New Works between Old Oak Common and Euston (currently in design phase)
- The project is expected to continue through to approximately 2035, providing significant long-term commercial development opportunities.
The Role
Working directly for HS2 Ltd, you'll support a Commercial Manager and develop your experience across a broad range of commercial and contract management activities. You'll gain hands-on exposure to NEC contract administration, Compensation Events, cost assurance, risk management, payment processes, forecasting and commercial reporting. HS2's contract management system, including CEMAR, will be used alongside Excel and other commercial reporting tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the administration and management of NEC contracts using CEMAR
- Assist with the assessment and valuation of Compensation Events
- Assist with interim payment applications and assessments
- Contribute to cost assurance and financial performance monitoring
- Review and analyse supply chain commercial information
- Assist with monthly commercial reporting and forecasting
- Support risk and change management activities
- Assist with the resolution of commercial issues and disputes
- Support estimate reviews across different project stages
- Work closely with Commercial Managers, project teams and supply chain partners
Career Development
HS2 offers a genuine opportunity to build a long-term career in major infrastructure commercial management. You'll receive structured development, mentoring and support towards professional qualifications and chartership, including RICS or ICES where appropriate. There is a clear progression pathway from Assistant Commercial Manager to Commercial Manager, paying £70,000–£75,000 + package. Progression to Commercial Manager level can be achieved in around two years, have multiple examples of this – with the huge size and scale of HS2 new Commercial Manager opportunities come up meaning when you are ready you’ll be able to be promoted. The wider HS2 programme also provides opportunities to move between major projects and disciplines, building experience across stations, civils, rail systems and other infrastructure packages.
About You
You'll likely be a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Commercial Manager or Assistant Cost Manager with around 18 months+ relevant experience & a qualification in Quantity Surveying or related subject. You'll ideally have:
- Experience working on infrastructure, construction or engineering projects
- Experience with NEC3 or NEC4 contracts and an understanding of Compensation Events
- Good commercial and numerical skills with strong Excel capability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A genuine ambition to develop a long-term career in commercial management
- Experience gained within rail, civils, utilities, highways, water, buildings or other major infrastructure would be relevant.
We're open to candidates from main contractor, consultancy or client-side backgrounds.
Why Join HS2?
This is an opportunity to work directly for HS2 Ltd and gain client-side experience on two of the UK's most prestigious infrastructure projects. You'll benefit from:
- Exposure to £1bn+ infrastructure projects and complex NEC contracts
- Broad commercial experience across multiple engineering disciplines
- Structured career development and support towards professional chartership
- A clear pathway towards Commercial Manager
- Long-term opportunities across the HS2 programme
- 12% employer pension, private healthcare and 25 days' holiday
If you're an Assistant QS, Graduate QS or Assistant Commercial Manager looking for a genuine step up in responsibility, development and career progression, these HS2 opportunities are well worth discussing.
Assistant Commercial Manager - HS2 in Ruislip employer: Charlton Recruitment
High Speed Two Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in North Acton, London, where you can play a pivotal role in one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, healthcare, and 25 days of holiday, you will have the opportunity to advance your career towards Senior Project Manager while working collaboratively with industry leaders on complex MEP systems. Join us to be part of a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and meaningful contributions to the future of British transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Manager - HS2 in Ruislip
✨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 Charlton Recruitment, 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 Assistant Commercial Manager - HS2 at Charlton Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Manager - HS2 in Ruislip
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 Charlton Recruitment
✨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!
