Hays
Commercial Manager - STEP Fusion

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Your new company
Do you want to deliver the UK's first prototype fusion energy plant?
You will be joining a pioneering organisation at the forefront of one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure and energy programmes, STEP Fusion. This organisation is investing heavily in talent, innovation and long-term infrastructure development, offering the chance to work on complex, high-value engineering and construction contracts while contributing to a once-in-a-generation project. Working on a nationally significant project, you will play a key role in helping deliver the groundbreaking programme that will help shape the future of sustainable energy and major project delivery.
This is a full-time permanent position based at the former West Burton A power station in Nottinghamshire, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Your new role
As Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for leading commercial, procurement and contract management activities across major engineering, infrastructure and construction projects.
Operating as a senior commercial professional, you will provide expert commercial advice throughout the full project lifecycle, from procurement strategy and contract award through to cost management, change control and final account settlement.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing high-value construction, infrastructure and engineering contracts
- Leading procurement activities within a regulated environment
- Supporting contract drafting, review, negotiation and risk management
- Delivering robust cost forecasting, budgetary control and commercial assurance
- Managing target costs, cashflows, earned value metrics and cost reporting
- Administering change control processes and ensuring contractual compliance
- Leading commercial negotiations during tender and post-contract phases
- Managing commercial risk, claims avoidance and dispute resolution activities
- Producing high-quality commercial reporting for senior stakeholders
- Building strong relationships with project teams, contractors and delivery partners
- Providing leadership, mentoring and commercial guidance to colleagues and 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.
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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.
This role offers significant exposure to complex NEC and bespoke construction contracts, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve programme objectives and deliver value for money.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Background in contract management or commercial management within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure or major projects
- Sound working knowledge of NEC form of contract
- Ability to lead commercial discussions and influence decision-making at senior level
- Excellent commercial acumen and strong stakeholder management abilities
- A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach
- Full UK driving licence.


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What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- Salary of £51,317 per annum
- Additional allowance available for MCIPS-qualified professionals
- 25 days annual leave plus Christmas shutdown days, privilege days and bank holidays
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Annual corporate bonus scheme
- Relocation support (where applicable)
- Hybrid working (2 days remote per week) with flexible working arrangements
- Employee Assistant Programme and wellbeing support
- Extensive training, development and career progression opportunities
- Inclusive, collaborative and innovative working environment
- Opportunity to deliver the UK's first prototype fusion energy plant and more.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role and meet the criteria above, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Please note: applicants must hold existing UK work authorisation; visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this position.
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