Programme Commercial Manager
Overview
The Lead Commercial Manager is a senior commercial leader accountable for the definition and delivery of commercial strategy across one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), ensuring alignment to the overall STEP programme commercial model and long-term delivery objectives. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and acts as a senior commercial authority, shaping programme-wide approaches to contracting, risk allocation, and supply chain strategy within a First‑of‑a‑kind, highly complex infrastructure programme. The post holder will provide strategic commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early market engagement and procurement strategy development through to contract delivery, optimisation and close‑out, working closely with finance, programme and technical colleagues and representing commercial in a quad governance arrangement accountable for the successful execution of the IPTs objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial function within their IPT and influence cross‑IPT commercial decision‑making, contributing to programme‑wide commercial frameworks and governance.
- Represent commercial at senior internal and external forums, including executive and government stakeholders.
- Shape innovative commercial delivery solutions to support the successful delivery of a first‑of‑a‑kind fusion programme.
- Accountability 1 – Pre‑contract and Procurement: provide expert leadership in the development of procurement and contracting strategies for complex contracts, lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contractual arrangements (joint ventures, alliancing models, major construction and infrastructure agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements and service contracts), define and influence commercial strategies that align IPT delivery with overall programme objectives, develop innovative commercial solutions where limited precedent exists, ensure contract terms reflect programme risk appetite, regulatory frameworks and commercial objectives, and establish robust commercial risk identification and mitigation strategies.
- Accountability 2 – Cost Management & Commercial Control: lead the commercial and cost strategy for major portfolios of construction and infrastructure contracts in the IPT, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control and cost assurance; integrate cost strategies across multiple contracts and delivery partners; provide strategic oversight of cost planning, cost breakdown structures, target costs, commercial incentive models (e.g. pain/gain), forecasts, cashflows and earned value metrics; advise senior stakeholders on commercial implications of programme decisions and maintain accountability for cost management within governance thresholds.
- Accountability 3 – Measurement, Valuation & Change Control: manage change effectively when acting as commercial representative on a strategic contract, ensuring value for money, robustness and contractual compliance are maintained and demonstrable on all contracts within the IPT; support direct reports in achieving agreement on final accounts and ensuring timely, controlled contract close‑out; drive alignment of change control practices across IPTs.
- Accountability 4 – Contract Management: shape and influence the development of programme‑wide commercial delivery models and contracting frameworks; provide expert guidance on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation and commercial models; lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages; ensure contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards and regulatory requirements; drive contractor performance using contractual performance metrics, commercial levers and strong relationship management.
- Accountability 5 – Risk, Claims & Dispute Management: manage escalated cost and commercial risks, develop mitigation strategies, resolve high‑value, multi‑party disputes, lead dispute avoidance activities through early intervention and commercial negotiation, and support formal dispute resolution processes when required.
- Accountability 6 – Reporting: produce and present high‑quality cost and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders, provide programme‑level insight and assurance on cost, risk and commercial performance, maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records, support internal and external audits and drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality and reporting discipline.
- Accountability 7 – Stakeholder Management & Leadership: act as a senior commercial interface with government bodies, regulators and strategic partners; build and maintain trusted relationships within the wider commercial team, senior project managers, senior engineers, senior finance representatives and other senior stakeholders; mentor and provide professional oversight to direct reports and other commercial colleagues; act as a cultural ambassador, representing the organisation’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
- Accountability 8 – Leadership Mindset: embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours, foster a positive and inclusive team environment, promote teamwork, collaborative workplace, respect diversity, and lead by example.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in commercial and/or procurement on construction, infrastructure projects or similar.
- Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
- Demonstrated experience operating at programme level, influencing or integrating multiple delivery streams or contracts.
- 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.
- Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
- Experience operating in ambiguous, evolving or first‑of‑a‑kind delivery environments requiring innovative commercial solutions.
- Actively working towards or qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS/FRICS).
- Ability to demonstrate competence aligned to RICS/ CIPS pathways, particularly: Commercial Management of Construction, Construction Technology and Environmental Services, Contract Practice, Procurement and Tendering, Risk Management.
- Beneficial: Experience working in highly regulated or public‑sector environments; experience supporting or managing quantity surveying / procurement staff; familiarity with assurance, governance and delegated authority frameworks; experience engaging with executive‑level stakeholders and government bodies on commercial strategy.
Salary & Benefits
£64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.
Other Information
Programme: STEPDepartment: UKFE – Commercial and Supply ChainDiscipline: AdministrativeSite Location: West Burton, NottinghamshireType of Employment: Full‑timeReference Number: REF4291N
Additional Information
Professional Development and Collaboration: Active engagement with APM and other relevant external bodies as part of continuous development. Support the wider STEP PPM community via active contributions at STEP meetings and events, contributions at Community of Practice or conferences etc.
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our EDI Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.
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