Rolls-Royce SMR
Lead Commercial Manager
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Lead Commercial Manager
Lead Commercial Manager – Customers
Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester, Warrington or other Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (RR SMR) locations Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 dependent on experience + bonus + excellent benefits
About the Role
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls-Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.
The Customer Commercial function sits at the heart of this journey, enabling the successful delivery of major customer contracts while supporting future growth. With multiple customer agreements secured and more in development, we’re entering a critical phase of delivery and expansion.
To support this, we’re looking for a Lead Commercial Manager – Customers to play a key role in managing high-value, complex contracts and shaping our commercial capability. You’ll work closely with strategic customers and internal stakeholders to drive value, manage risk, and ensure successful contract execution across major programmes.
Responsibilities
You’ll be responsible for:
- Lead the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex customer contracts
- Ensure compliance with Rolls-Royce SMR commercial governance, policies, and reporting requirements
- Support the development and delivery of commercial strategy aligned to programme objectives
- Manage commercial risk and drive value through effective contract management and performance oversight
- Influence and engage senior internal and external stakeholders across a matrix environment
- Contribute to the development and maturity of the Commercial function, including processes, governance, and best practice
- Support and mentor junior team members and represent the Commercial function internally and externally, including deputising where required
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Requirements
We’re looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
- Significant experience in commercial or contract management (typically 10+ years)
- Strong experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts within engineering, infrastructure, energy, or similar sectors
- Proven ability to operate in complex, regulated or high-risk environments and manage commercial risk
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including working at senior levels
- Experience contributing to commercial strategy and delivering value through contracts
- Ability to lead within a collaborative, matrix structure
- Experience supporting governance, processes, or capability development within a Commercial function (desirable)
- Knowledge of industry contract forms such as NEC, FIDIC, JCT, or similar (advantageous)
Location & Ways of Working
This role can be based in Derby, Manchester, Warrington, or other RR SMR locations. We ask for regular weekly office attendance, but remote working flexibility is advised. Travel may be required depending on customer and programme needs.
Benefits
- Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 (depending on experience)
- Bonus: Up to 12.5% performance-related
- Benefits Allowance: £2,200 to create a bespoke package (including lifestyle, investments, insurances, etc.)
- Pension: Competitive Rolls-Royce SMR scheme
- Holidays: 28 days + public holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working
Why Join Us?
You’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. At Rolls-Royce SMR, we:
- Offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment
- Provide opportunities for career progression in a rapidly scaling business
- Embed a culture centred on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
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We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is essential to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to ensuring fairness and supportive recruitment practices.
At Rolls-Royce SMR, confidence is not a prerequisite. 75% alignment with our requirements is enough to apply—we believe in qualifications, potential, and the value you bring.
We especially encourage applications from individuals looking to switch careers or sectors.
"There's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate here."
About Application Process
Due to our nuclear industry safety regulations, all applicants will be required to:
- Obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Undergo a basic financial probity check
Discover How We Make Energy Better
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we believe in a transformative approach to nuclear energy. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station generates 470MW of low-carbon energy—enough to power a million homes for over 60 years—while bolstering the integration of renewable energy sources.
We thrive on innovation and strengths-based hiring, offering career paths beyond traditional expectations. Apply if this role excites you—we are ready to support and grow talent alongside the new energy future we’re building.
Rolls-Royce SMR welcomes applications from all backgrounds and promotes a diverse, inclusive culture. Apply today and help shape our energy transformation tomorrow.
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