Assistant Commercial Manager

Assistant Commercial Manager – HS2 (Washwood Heath Depot)
Location: Birmingham / Washwood Heath (Hybrid – 3 days office/site)
Salary: £40,000 – £47,500 (potentially to £49k with approvals) + 12% Pen + Health + 25 hols
Progression: Commercial Manager (£60,000 – £70,000 + package)
Project: £859m, HS2 Washwood Heath Train Care Depot 8-year duration
Work on One of the UK’s Most High-Profile Infrastructure Projects
Are you a Graduate or Assistant Quantity Surveyor with experience working on NEC contracts, looking to step into a client-side commercial role on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure programmes?
This is a standout opportunity to join High Speed Two Ltd and play a key role in delivering the £859m Washwood Heath Train Care Depot, a landmark project that will become the operational heart of the HS2 network and the largest Rail Depot ever built in the UK, with contract award just been announced – JV Taylor Woodrow Infrastructure & Aureos Rai
Why This Role Stands Out
This isn’t a typical Assistant QS role. You’ll be working client-side, gaining exposure across the full project lifecycle from early design and target cost setting through to construction, commissioning and handover.
You’ll be involved in a truly multi-disciplinary environment, covering civils, structures, buildings, M&E, rail systems, and power - giving you experience that would normally take years to build elsewhere.
There are also genuine commercial “firsts” on this project, including new approaches to compensation events designed to streamline delivery, giving you exposure to modern, forward-thinking contract management practices.
The Project
The Washwood Heath Depot is one of the most complex rail facilities delivered in the UK in recent decades. Delivered over an 8-year programme, it will include major assets such as maintenance buildings, control centres, stabling yards, and operational facilities — all critical to the running of the HS2 network.
The Role
Working directly for High Speed Two Ltd, you will support a Commercial Manager and gain exposure to a wide range of contract administration and commercial management activities. This includes change management through Compensation Events, risk management, cost assurance, payment processes, and commercial reporting.
You will utilise HS2’s contract management system (CEMAR) alongside Excel-based reporting tools to support robust commercial governance across the project.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Support the administration and management of contracts to maintain effective commercial control, using CEMAR
* Assist with contract administration duties under NEC3 Contract
* Support the assessment and valuation of variations and Compensation Events
* Assist with the preparation and assessment of interim applications for payment
* Contribute to cost assurance activities and financial performance monitoring
* Support the review and analysis of supply chain monthly reports
* Assist in the preparation of monthly commercial reports and forecasts
* Support the resolution and settlement of supply chain disputes
* Assist with estimate reviews across all project stages
Career & Development
This role offers exceptional career progression. Around 45% of roles are filled internally at HS2, and with an 8–10 year programme ahead, there are real opportunities to move across different packages (civils, stations, rail systems, rolling stock) and build a long-term career.
Progression to Commercial Manager level is realistic within 2 years, supported by structured development, mentoring, and full support toward professional chartership (RICS, ICES, etc.).
About You
You’ll likely be a Graduate QS, Assistant QS or Ass Cost Manager with around 18 months+ experience, ideally within infrastructure or major projects. Experience working with NEC3/4 contracts (including compensation events) is highly desirable.
You may come from a main contractor or consultancy background and have worked across sectors such as rail, civils, utilities, highways, water, or buildings.
Most importantly, you’ll be a motivated self-starter with a strong desire to learn, develop, and build a long-term career in commercial management within major infrastructure.
Why Join?
You’ll be part of a flexible, supportive, and high-performing environment with a strong culture of development and collaboration. With no rigid long-hours culture, flexible working, and exposure to one of the UK’s most prestigious programmes, this role offers both career acceleration and work-life balance.
If you're looking to step into a career-defining role with real responsibility, exposure, and progression, this is a unique opportunity to do exactly that