Network Rail
Assistant Commercial Manager
Location: Blackfriars, GB
Department Name: CL Contracts and Procurement Region (338786) G1
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter.
At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Brief Description
The Southern Asset Protection (ASPRO) Commercial Team directly support the ASPRO project team as they manage and mitigate risks of construction works over, under or adjacent to the railway. The ASPRO team successfully manage a portfolio of roughly 1500 projects across the Southern Region and the Commercial Team are key to ensuring that commercial compliance is maintained across this portfolio.
We are seeking an individual with the right skills, enthusiasm and behaviours to take on responsibility for a host of Project Manager’s and their portfolio’s, highlighting commercial risks while providing financial management information to promote proactive decision making. The candidate for this role will be a positive team player, who demonstrates established communication skills, with the desire to learn more and exceed in this environment. They will be required to monitor and report on commercial aspects of projects, flagging issues at the earliest opportunity to the responsible management and carry out allocated duties in accordance with corporate governance escalating any matters which might lead to corporate governance being breached and taking action to resolve them in a timely and proactive manner.
They will assist the Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager in providing accurate costing information to the project management team while having the confidence to challenge cost elements on the project. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced project environment is essential. This role requires excellent verbal and written skills to ensure the production of all required documentation for approval with levels of delegated authority as well as commercial correspondence and contractual notices.
You will undertake final account settlements and internal reconciliation, encouraging the demonstration of efficiencies by undertaking cost analysis of completed projects.
About the role
Key Responsibilities
- Support the measurement and evaluation of commercial value, ensuring payments are accurately assessed and works are correctly certified in line with contractual and governance requirements.
- Assist with the production of clear, accurate and timely reports covering all commercial aspects of allocated projects, supporting effective decision-making.
- Contribute to the preparation of high-quality contract specifications and pre-tender documentation, helping to ensure projects are set up for successful delivery.
- Support procurement and commercial management activities across a range of contract categories, promoting value for money, compliance and best practice.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Ability to organise and prioritise work effectively to meet deadlines.
- Good problem-solving skills, with a logical and proactive approach.
- A basic level of commercial awareness, with a willingness to develop this further.
- Basic negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to contribute to discussions and decisions.
- Good IT skills, including the ability to use in-house and external systems and software.
Desirable
- Ability to communicate effectively at appropriate levels, both internally and externally.
- Membership of a relevant professional body, or a willingness to work towards professional membership.
- Experience of using electronic sourcing and/or procurement systems.
Why join Network Rail?
At Network Rail, you’ll play a key role in supporting the delivery of vital infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving safely and efficiently across the country. We offer a supportive, inclusive environment where you’ll be encouraged to build your commercial capability, gain exposure to a wide range of projects, and develop your career within a nationally recognised organisation.
Development and Progression
This role offers a strong foundation for a career in commercial and procurement management. You’ll be supported through on-the-job learning, access to professional development opportunities, and the chance to work towards relevant professional qualifications, helping you to grow your skills and progress within Network Rail.
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Location: London Puddle Dock
Closing Date: 16/04/26
Band & Salary: Band 5 £25,409 – £38,742
We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- 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 stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments.
- Plus, more….
