ABOUT ZINC CONSULT Zinc Consult is a UK project management and commercial services firm working across rail, highways, energy and wider infrastructure. We support contractors, clients, consultancies and operating companies from pre-contract through to post-contract, with services including estimating, procurement, risk management, quantity surveying, commercial and contract management, change and claims. With offices in Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow and Tees Valley, we are a trusted partner to major UK rail businesses and put bespoke, experienced people on every project. THE OPPORTUNITY We are recruiting a permanent Commercial Manager to on one of the largest rail investment programmes in the UK. You will lead the commercial management of a package of work, protecting value, managing change and keeping contractual positions robust as the programme moves through delivery. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead commercial management of your package, including cost forecasting, cash flow, cost value reconciliation (CVR) and reporting to senior stakeholders - Administer contracts under NEC3/NEC4, including compensation events, early warnings, programme and payment mechanisms - Prepare, negotiate and agree variations, claims and final accounts - Manage subcontract and supply chain procurement, tender evaluation and commercial settlements - Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities - Provide commercial advice to the delivery team at key decision points - Build strong working relationships with Network Rail, designers, delivery partners and the wider TRU team - Lead, coach and develop Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Commercial Managers where required - Work in line with Network Rail standards, governance and assurance requirements ABOUT YOU Essential: - Proven experience as a Commercial Manager (or Senior QS / Commercial Lead) on rail or major infrastructure projects - Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts, ideally NEC4 (ECC) - Experience of managing change, compensation events and claims through to agreement - Confident forecasting, budget and CVR skills - Right to work in the UK and able to travel across the TRU route Desirable: - Direct experience on Network Rail projects or alliances - Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or similar, or MRICS / working towards chartership - Experience of the PDRM / GRIP process - Experience of leading a commercial team WHAT WE OFFER - A permanent role on a nationally significant rail programme - Competitive salary and benefits package - Career development with a growing rail consultancy - Leeds-based with hybrid flexibility Zinc Consult is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Network Rail pre-employment checks may apply
Commercial Manager - Rail in Leeds employer: Zinc Consult
Zinc Consult is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Stansted where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Commercial Manager, you'll be part of a high-performing team dedicated to shaping the future of aviation infrastructure, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to trust and technical excellence ensures that you will have the support and resources needed to make a meaningful impact in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Rail in Leeds
✨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 Zinc Consult, 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 Manager - Rail at Zinc Consult.
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 Zinc Consult
✨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!
