At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial aspects of high-speed railway projects and ensure compliance with governance.
- Company: Join Network Rail High Speed, the UK's only international high-speed railway operator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and travel discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the future of high-speed rail in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing investment projects and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43588 - 51719 £ per year.
About Network Rail High Speed
Network Rail High Speed Ltd. (NRHS) operates and maintains the UK’s only international high‑speed railway (HS1) owned by London St. Pancras Highspeed. NRHS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, privately financed under an agreement with London St. Pancras Highspeed. We maintain 109 km of infrastructure, including track, signalling, overhead line, lineside buildings, depots, viaducts and long tunnels, as well as three international stations – St Pancras, Stratford and Ebbsfleet International. Our vision is “For everyone to love High Speed rail!” and our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do.
Location: London, GB
Role Overview
We are looking for a Commercial Manager to act as a commercial support resource for the route/programme. Your commercial expertise will help the programme achieve compliance with corporate governance, processes and business targets. You will resolve commercial issues, champion the function, and support escalation when needed.
Key Accountabilities
- Support programme and project teams in monitoring compliance with Network Rail High Speed corporate governance and rules.
- Manage cost reporting of all allocated projects, including cost forecasting, anticipated final cost, cost of work done, gross billing and current contract value.
- Monitor, manage and report on all commercial aspects of allocated projects; flag issues and propose mitigation actions to Project/Programme Managers and Senior Commercial Manager.
- Review contractor delivery; lead valuation of medium value/medium risk contracts and attend progress meetings to influence contractor commercial behaviours.
- Manage assessment and valuation of contractor’s applications and process payment certification in accordance with Network Rail High Speed processes, contractual terms and conditions.
- Challenge cost elements, audit where appropriate, and ensure valuations align with site progress.
- Provide proactive advice to Project Managers on all change, recommend appropriate actions in line with change control systems, and produce required documentation for approval.
- Produce applications for payment/invoices to outside clients per funding agreements.
- Identify and advise on all commercial risk/claim events.
- Provide ad‑hoc management information and analysis to promote informed decision‑making.
- Draft commercial correspondence and contractual notices as required; maintain proper record retention and archiving.
- Undertake final account settlements and internal reconciliation to project close‑out within agreed timescales.
- Support efficiencies and continual improvement of estimating through cost analysis of completed projects.
- Support pre and post contract procurement activities as appropriate.
- Support estimating resources, offering guidance on project scale/scope.
- Negotiate all prices under existing contracts/framework agreements, including target costs, and participate in quantitative risk assessment and value management workshops.
Qualifications – Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable experience in commercially managing investment projects.
- Relevant industry experience and good understanding of railway and construction industry contracts.
- Strong negotiation and commercial knowledge of the construction industry and supply chains.
- Excellent understanding of works delivery contracts.
- Highly numerate with strong analytical skills.
- Effective communication at all levels.
- NEC experience.
Desirable Criteria
- Significant experience working in a generalist commercial environment.
- Aware of industry issues.
Benefits
- Structured pay framework: Salary £43,588 – £51,719 plus inner London allowance (£3,270).
- Great annual leave: 28 days plus statutory days, with buy/sell option.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75 % subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75 % off leisure travel.
- Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Discounts at some stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave.
- Health care scheme, GymPass discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme and more.
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Inclusive Employer
We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and we encourage flexible working. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
How to Apply
Closing date: 27 March 2026. The role is permanent and based at One Stratford Place with frequent travel to other high‑speed route locations. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. You may be required to undergo a security vetting process and a drugs and alcohol test. For more information on our diversity and inclusion policy, visit Network Rail High Speed.
Commercial Manager employer: NETWORK RAIL
Network Rail is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the UK. The supportive culture and commitment to maintaining accurate data ensure that your role as a Data & SharePoint Support Specialist is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. For Network Rail High Speed, knowing their vision of making everyone love high-speed rail can give you an edge. We want to see your passion for the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong commercial knowledge and negotiation prowess. Role-play scenarios with friends or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing investment projects and your understanding of railway and construction industry contracts. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your negotiation skills and commercial knowledge. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage costs and resolve commercial issues. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like commercial management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NETWORK RAIL
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to be highly numerate. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss cost reporting, forecasting, and valuations. Bring examples of how you've managed costs in previous projects to showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC contracts and other relevant railway and construction industry contracts. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the commercial landscape and your ability to manage compliance effectively.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully negotiated prices or resolved commercial issues. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes to illustrate your capability in influencing contractor behaviours.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is crucial at all levels. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex commercial concepts simply, as this will be important when advising project managers and stakeholders.
