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Commercial Manager
Commercial Manager – UKFusion Energy (STEP Programme)
Company Description
The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to deliver fusion energy through the design and construction of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant.
Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is targeted for commercial viability by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims to deliver a prototype fusion plant with first operations planned for around 2040.
As part of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), this role will involve tackling critical challenges in setting up the company, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and constructing STEP. Join this groundbreaking journey.
Benefits
As an employee of UKFE, you will enjoy:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme (view details)
- Corporate bonus scheme (up to 7%)
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous annual leave allowance (25 days + 3 days Christmas closure + 2.5 privilege days)
- Wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant, inclusive culture
For the full benefit package, visit: Employee Benefits
Salary & Location
- Base Salary: £51,317 (an additional allowance of £5,800 may be paid if holding MCIPS)
- Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire
- Working Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, remainder remote)
Job Description
About the Role
The Commercial Manager is a senior commercial professional responsible for pre- and post-contract commercial activities, including:
- Procurement (strategy and delivery)
- Financial management & cost control
- Commercial assurance of complex construction, engineering, or infrastructure contracts within Integrated Project Teams (IPTs)
Operating with autonomy, the role holder provides expert commercial advice across the entire project lifecycle—from cost planning and procurement to final account agreements.
This position ensures: ✔ Contractual obligations are met ✔ Value for money is delivered ✔ Regulatory and contractual compliance is maintained ✔ Seamless collaboration across UKFE and its strategic partners
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depending on the IPT or business unit, duties will align with RICS, CIPS professional standards, organisational governance, and regulatory requirements (including PA23 where applicable).
The Commercial Manager will act as the STEP-based commercial representative for contracts or procurements delegated from the Lead Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Manager.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Contract & Procurement
- Support drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts (joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, service contracts)
- Collaborate with technical, legal, and sourcing teams to ensure contracts reflect:
- Project objectives
- Regulatory requirements
- Compliance standards
- Assess and mitigate contractual risks
- Lead procurement management within regulated environments
2. Cost Management & Commercial Control
- Lead cost management for major construction, infrastructure, or engineering contracts:
- Forecasting, budget control, cost assurance
- Management of:
- Cost plans & breakdown structures
- Target costs & pain/gain mechanisms
- Forecasts, cashflows, and earned value metrics
- Provide authoritative advice on commercial impacts of:
- Design development
- Scope changes
- Programme movements
3. Measurement, Valuation & Change Control
- Ensure effective change management (instructed, valued, negotiated, recorded)
- Ensure contractor submissions deliver value for money, robustness, and compliance
- Support final account agreements and timely contract closures
4. Contract Support
- Provide expert guidance on:
- Contract selection
- Pricing mechanisms
- Risk allocation
- Commercial models
- Lead negotiations at tender and post-contract stages
- Ensure contracts align with agreed terms, governance, and regulatory frameworks
5. Risk, Claims & Dispute Management
- Lead cost and commercial risk mitigation
- Avoid disputes through early intervention and negotiation
- Support formal dispute resolution where required
6. Reporting, Governance & Assurance
- Produce high-quality cost & commercial reports for senior stakeholders
- Maintain auditable cost and contract records (corporate & regulatory compliance)
- Support internal/external audits and provide professional commercial assurance
7. Stakeholder Management & Leadership
- Build trusted relationships with:
- Commercial team
- Project Managers
- Engineers
- Finance
- Senior stakeholders
- Represent UKFE as the lead cost & commercial authority in meetings with contractors
- Mentor direct reports and provide professional oversight
- Act as a role model for integrity, ethical behaviour, and UKFE values
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8. Leadership Mindset
- Embrace and promotethe organisation's culture, values, and mission
- Foster a positive, inclusive team environment
- Lead by example with integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour
(Note: The above is not exhaustive; additional duties may arise.)
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential Skills & Experience
✅ Significant experience in procurement and commercial management for construction, infrastructure, or major engineering projects ✅ Ability to manage high-value, high-risk contracts across the lifecycle ✅ Strong knowledge of contractual forms (NEC, bespoke construction agreements) ✅ Expertise in:
- Cost forecasting
- Valuation
- Change control
- Final accounts ✅ Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Desirable Experience (Bonus Points!)
✔ Experience in highly regulated or public-sector environments ✔ Expertise in supporting/managing quantity surveyors ✔ Familiarity with assurance, governance, and delegated authority frameworks
Diversity & Inclusion
UKF Jointly welcomes applications from: 🔹 Underrepresented groups, including:
- Women in STEM
- British and minority ethnic backgrounds
- Individuals with disabilities
UKFE is committed to accessibility and inclusive recruitment. For support or reasonable adjustments: Email talent@ukifs.uk
Security & Application Notes
- Security Checks: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks
- Future Possibility: Administrative Security (AS) or SC clearance may be required
- Overseas Applicants: If you have spent time outside the UK in the last 5 years, view guidance here.
- Vacancy Lifecycle: Active for 4 weeks (may close earlier).
For further details visit the UKFE Career Opportunities page
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