About UK Fusion Energy (UKFE)
UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd is a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) tasked with designing and delivering the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. The company is building a supply chain, attracting talent, and planning the prototype’s construction.
Benefits
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of employment
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous annual leave allowance – 25 days + 3 days Christmas closure + 2.5 preference days, plus UK bank holidays
- Wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant culture committed to inclusivity
For a full list of benefits see https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
Salary
The salary for this role is £51,317 per annum. An additional allowance of £5,800 may be paid where MCIPS is held.
Location & Working Hours
The role is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working is expected for three days each week.
Commercial Manager – Role Overview
The Commercial Manager is a senior commercial professional responsible for pre‑ and post‑contract commercial activity including procurement strategy and delivery, financial management, cost control, and commercial assurance of complex construction, engineering and infrastructure contracts within one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs). The role operates with a degree of autonomy, providing expert commercial advice across the full project lifecycle and ensuring contractual obligations are met while delivering value for money.
Pre‑Contract and Procurement
- Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex contracts, including joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts.
- Collaborate with technical, legal and sourcing teams to ensure contract terms reflect project objectives, regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
- Assess and identify potential risks within contracts and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
- Collaborate with technical stakeholders to develop and implement performance metrics in contracts.
- Lead in the management and delivery of procurements within a regulated environment.
Cost Management & Commercial Control
- Lead cost management of major construction, infrastructure or engineering contracts, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control and cost assurance.
- Manage and be accountable for:
- Cost plans and cost breakdown structures
- Target costs and pain/gain mechanisms
- Forecasts, cashflows and earned value metrics
- Provide authoritative advice on commercial and cost impacts of design development, scope change and programme movement.
- Be accountable for the management of costs in line with approved budgets, governance thresholds and delegated authorities.
Measurement, Valuation & Change Control
- Ensure change is managed effectively on contracts within the role holder’s portfolio – properly instructed, valued, negotiated and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms such as NEC.
- Be accountable for ensuring contractor submissions deliver value for money, robustness and contractual compliance.
- Support direct reports in reaching agreement on final accounts and ensuring timely, controlled contract close‑out.
Contract Support
- Provide expert guidance to direct reports on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation and commercial models.
- Lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages.
- Be accountable for ensuring contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards and regulatory requirements.
Risk, Claims & Dispute Management
- Provide expert guidance and leadership in the management of cost and commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
- Lead dispute avoidance activities through early intervention, commercial negotiation and robust contract administration.
- Provide expertise and leadership in formal dispute resolution processes where required.
- Support the Lead Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager in the resolution of complex or escalated issues and disputes.
Reporting, Governance & Assurance
- Produce and present high‑quality cost and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements across the role holder’s portfolio.
- Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance.
- Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality and reporting discipline.
Stakeholder Management & Leadership
- Build and maintain trusted relationships within the wider Commercial team, Project Managers, Engineers, Finance and senior stakeholders.
- Represent the organisation as the lead cost and commercial authority in meetings with contractors and delivery partners.
- Provide mentoring, guidance and professional oversight to direct reports and other commercial colleagues.
- Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour and organisational values.
Embody a Leadership Mindset
- Regardless of formal position, embody a leadership mindset and the behaviours that reflect the organisation’s culture, values and mission.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with cultural values.
- Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity and promoting teamwork.
- Act as a cultural ambassador, representing the organisation’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
- Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and ethical behaviour.
- Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.
Qualifications
We are looking for a strategic and results‑driven contract professional with a strong background in engineering, infrastructure or major project contract management.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in commercial and/or procurement on construction, infrastructure engineering projects or similar.
- Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
- Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
- Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control and final accounts.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in highly regulated or public‑sector environments.
- Experience supporting or managing quantity surveying or procurement staff.
- Familiarity with assurance, governance and delegated authority frameworks.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British Black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation.
Accessibility and Security Requirements
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. There is a possibility that an SC Clearance may be required in the future; if a candidate already holds an SC clearance, it can be transferred to UKIFS.
International Applicants
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants for information on criminal records checks. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret we cannot process your application.
Recruitment Notice
Vacancies are generally advertised for four weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…