Mace
Commercial Manager - Rail

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Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join our growing Rail team in Birmingham, supporting the successful delivery of major Network Rail infrastructure programmes. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional with 5-10 years' experience to play a key role in managing commercial performance, driving value, and supporting project delivery across complex rail schemes.
Working within a collaborative project environment, you will provide commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring robust contract administration, cost control, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to achieve successful project outcomes.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Providing commercial support across major rail infrastructure projects from pre-contract through to final account.
- Administering and managing contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and governance requirements.
- Supporting the preparation, review, and negotiation of compensation events, change control, and variations.
- Monitoring project costs, forecasts, cash flow, and commercial performance.
- Preparing and presenting commercial reports, forecasts, and performance metrics to senior stakeholders.
- Identifying and managing commercial risks and opportunities throughout project delivery.
- Supporting procurement activities, tender evaluations, and supplier engagement.
- Working closely with project managers, planners, cost managers, and technical teams to drive commercial success.
- Assisting in the preparation and agreement of interim applications, valuations, and final accounts.
- Ensuring compliance with Network Rail standards, client requirements, and industry best practice.
- Developing positive relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and key project stakeholders.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You’ll need to have:
- You will be a commercially astute professional with experience delivering infrastructure, transportation, or rail projects and a strong understanding of contract management and commercial controls.
- 5-10 years' experience within a commercial, quantity surveying, or cost management role.
- Experience working on major infrastructure, transportation, rail, or civil engineering projects.
- Strong knowledge of NEC contracts, particularly NEC3 and NEC4.
- Understanding of change management, cost forecasting, and commercial reporting.
- Experience managing compensation events and contractual issues.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Previous experience working on Network Rail projects.
- Membership of RICS, CICES, CIOB, or another relevant professional body.
- Knowledge of railway regulatory and assurance processes.
- Experience of large-scale multidisciplinary infrastructure programmes.


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What we offer
- Opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant rail and infrastructure programmes.
- Structured career development and progression opportunities.
- Exposure to major clients and senior project leadership teams.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Collaborative and inclusive working environment.
Our values
- Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
- Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes, and build long-term relationships with our clients.
- Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
- Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
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