Commercial Manager(Volume)

Who We Are

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

About Our Route

Central Route is the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on our route every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.

We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

About The Role

We are looking for a Commercial Manager to join our team on the Central Route on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic project delivery environment, contributing to the successful commercial management of key activities.

In this role, you will support programme and project teams by ensuring compliance with Network Rail governance and managing the full spectrum of commercial activities across allocated projects. This includes managing cost reporting and forecasting, monitoring financial performance, assessing contractor applications, and ensuring accurate valuation and payment processes. You will actively oversee contractor delivery, attend progress meetings, and influence decision-making by providing clear commercial insight and early identification of risks and opportunities.

You will also provide proactive advice on change control, commercial risks, and contractual matters, ensuring all documentation, reporting, and correspondence is managed in line with required standards. Working closely with project stakeholders, you will support with negotiations, procurement activity, and final account settlements, while supporting continuous improvement through cost analysis and feedback. Your role will be key in driving informed decision-making and delivering strong commercial outcomes across projects.

Your Experience And Skills

We're looking for someone who is motivated by making a real impact and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Extensive experience in commercial management.
• Demonstrable relevant experience
• Good understanding of NR Suite and construction industry forms of contract
• Good understanding of the construction/railway industry
• Good negotiation skills

Alongside this, it would be great if you also have:

• Educated to degree standard in related subject
• Membership of a relevant professional institute, chartered status
• Significant experience of working within a generalist commercial environment
• Awareness of industry issues
• Educated to degree standard in related subject or working towards this

How to apply (external)

Salary : starting from £43,588 raising to £51,719 per annum. Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.

Closing date: 19th June 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Some of the great benefits you can look forward to

Benefits

We know how important it is to feel supported, both in and outside of work. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to help you thrive:

• Generous annual leave (28 days plus bank holidays, contract dependent), with the flexibility to buy or sell additional days to suit your lifestyle
• A market-leading defined benefit pension scheme, helping you plan confidently for the future
• Up to 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets, making your commute more affordable
• Up to 75% off leisure travel (discretionary), so you can explore more for less
• Interest-free loans for travel and car park season tickets
• Access to a range of discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass
• Flexible and hybrid working options to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance
• Dedicated volunteer leave, giving you time to make a positive difference in your community
• A range of wellbeing benefits including a healthcare scheme, GymPass discounts, and a cycle-to-work programme
• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, supporting you through life's most important moments

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.