Rolls-Royce SMR
Lead Commercial Manager
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Lead Commercial Manager – Customers
Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester, Warrington or other RR SMR locations
Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 (dependent on experience) + bonus + excellent benefits (Base pay range noted: £60,000.00–£78,750.00)
About RR SMR and 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 technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.
The Customer Commercial function sits at the heart of this journey, enabling successful delivery of major customer contracts while supporting future growth. With multiple agreements secured and more in development, we are entering a critical phase of delivery and expansion.
To support this, we’re recruiting a Lead Commercial Manager – Customers to:
- Manage high-value, complex customer contracts
- Shape commercial capability and drive strategic alignment
- Foster partnerships with stakeholders and ensure successful contract execution
Responsibilities
Core duties include:
- Leading the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex customer contracts
- Ensuring compliance with RR SMR’s commercial governance, policies, and reporting requirements
- Developing and delivering commercial strategy aligned with programme objectives
- Managing commercial risk and driving value through contract management, performance oversight, and risk mitigation
- Influencing and engaging senior stakeholders (internal and external) in a matrixed work environment
- Contributing to the evolution of the Commercial function, including processes, governance, and best practices
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members
- Representing the Commercial function internally and externally, including deputising when required
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Requirements
Core Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in commercial or contract management
- Strong background negotiating and managing high-value, complex contracts in sectors such as engineering, infrastructure, or energy -Proven ability to operate in high-risk or regulated environments and manage associated commercial risks
- Excellent stakeholder management and influence skills (senior-level experience preferable)
Technical & Industry Knowledge
- Experience contributing to commercial strategy and delivering value through contracts
- Familiarity with tailoring contracts to technical and project-specific needs (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, JCT)
- Strong understanding of governance frameworks and contract performance metrics
Desirable
- Experience building commercial processes, governance frameworks, or capability maturity within an organisation
- Prior exposure to a rapidly scaling business with matrixed, collaborative structures
Location & Work Arrangements
- Bases available: Derby, Manchester, Warrington, or other RR SMR locations
- Hybrid model: Regular office attendance required on a weekly basis
- Potential travel: Depending on customer/programme needs
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Benefits
- Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 (base pay range: £60,000–£78,750)
- Performance Bonus: Up to 12.5% performance-related
- Bespoke Benefits Allowance: £2,200
- Pension: Competitive Rolls-Royce SMR scheme
- Holiday: 28 days + public holidays
- Flexible/Hybrid Work: Combine office and remote work
Why Join Us?
- Join a forward-thinking organisation prioritising transparency, fairness, and innovation
- Growth opportunities: Rapidly scaling business and progression paths available
- Culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Supportive environment: Highly inclusive, flexible, and focused on upskilling
Inclusivity & Fairness
website are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all backgrounds.
✨ Did You Know? There’s no perfect candidate—if you meet 75%+ of this role’s requirements, your applications would be warmly considered!
Consider a Career Change?
Sector switches or transfers are welcomed. Experience and transferable skills are just as valued as industry-specific backgrounds.
Application Process Notes
Applicants will undergo:
- BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
- Basic financial probity screening (due to nuclear industry security regulations)
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