At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract management and gain exposure to commercial activities on a major infrastructure project.
- Company: Join HS2, a leader in UK infrastructure with a focus on development and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, 25 holidays, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exceptional career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile project and accelerate your career in commercial management.
- Qualifications: Graduate or Assistant QS with NEC contract experience and a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47500 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham / Washwood Heath (Hybrid – 3 days office/site).
Salary: £40,000 – £47,500 (potentially to £49k with approvals) + 12% Pen + Health + 25 hols.
Progression: Commercial Manager (£60,000 – £70,000 + package).
Project: £859m, HS2 Washwood Heath Train Care Depot, 8‑year duration. Work on one of the UK’s most high‑profile infrastructure projects.
Are you a Graduate or Assistant Quantity Surveyor with experience working on NEC contracts, looking to step into a client‑side commercial role on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure programmes?
Why This Role Stands Out
You’ll be working client‑side, gaining exposure across the full project lifecycle from early design and target cost setting through to construction, commissioning and handover. You’ll be involved in a truly multi‑disciplinary environment, covering civils, structures, buildings, M&E, rail systems and power, giving you experience that normally would take years to acquire elsewhere. There are also genuine commercial “firsts” on this project, including new approaches to compensation events designed to streamline delivery, giving you exposure to modern, forward‑thinking contract management practices.
The Project
The Washwood Heath Depot is one of the most complex rail facilities delivered in the UK in recent decades. Delivered over an 8‑year programme, it will include major assets such as maintenance buildings, control centres, stabling yards and operational facilities – all critical to the running of the HS2 network.
The Role
Working directly for High Speed Two Ltd, you will support a Commercial Manager and gain exposure to a wide range of contract administration and commercial management activities. This includes change management through Compensation Events, risk management, cost assurance, payment processes and commercial reporting. You will utilise HS2’s contract management system (CEMAR) alongside Excel‑based reporting tools to support robust commercial governance across the project.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the administration and management of contracts to maintain effective commercial control, using CEMAR.
- Assist with contract administration duties under NEC3.
- Support the assessment and valuation of variations and Compensation Events.
- Assist with the preparation and assessment of interim applications for payment.
- Contribute to cost assurance activities and financial performance monitoring.
- Support the review and analysis of supply chain monthly reports.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly commercial reports and forecasts.
- Support the resolution and settlement of supply chain disputes.
- Assist with estimate reviews across all project stages.
Career & Development
This role offers exceptional career progression. Around 45% of roles are filled internally at HS2, and with an 8–10 year programme ahead, there are real opportunities to move across different packages (civils, stations, rail systems, rolling stock) and build a long‑term career. Progression to Commercial Manager level is realistic within 2 years, supported by structured development, mentoring and full support toward professional chartership (RICS, ICES, etc.).
About You
You’ll likely be a Graduate QS, Assistant QS or Assistant Cost Manager with around 18 months or more experience, ideally within infrastructure or major projects. Experience working with NEC3/4 contracts, including compensation events, is highly desirable. You may come from a main contractor or consultancy background and have worked across sectors such as rail, civils, utilities, highways, water or buildings. Most importantly, you’ll be a motivated self‑starter with a strong desire to learn, develop and build a long‑term career in commercial management within major infrastructure.
Why Join
You’ll be part of a flexible, supportive and high‑performing environment with a strong culture of development and collaboration. There is no rigid long‑hours culture, flexible working and exposure to one of the UK’s most prestigious programmes – this role offers both career acceleration and work‑life balance. If you’re looking to step into a career‑defining role with real responsibility, exposure and progression, this is a unique opportunity to do exactly that.
Assistant Commercial Manager in Birmingham employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Manager in Birmingham
✨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
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✨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 in Birmingham at Energy Jobline ZR.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Manager in Birmingham
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 Energy Jobline ZR
✨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!
