Commercial Manager - Rail

Leeds

NewRail
Location
Leeds
Job type
Permanent
Working
Hybrid
Posted

Job description

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

Advert last confirmed live on 16 October 2026 · Partner reference 225732196