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
About Rolls-Royce SMR
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.
Our 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 are 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.
The Opportunity
You’ll manage high-value contracts and strategically drive value, risk management and contract performance across major programmes. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, strategic vision and the ability to influence decisions while working in a matrix environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the drafting, negotiation and management of complex customer contracts
- Ensure compliance with RR SMR’s 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
- Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, including deputising when required
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What You’ll Bring
- Significant experience in commercial or contract management (typically **10+ years)
- Strong experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts in engineering, infrastructure, energy or similar sectors
- Proven ability to operate in high-risk, regulated environments and manage commercial risk
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including 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 (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, JCT) (advantageous)
Location & Ways of Working
- Hybrid working with regular office attendance expected
- Travel may be required for customer and programme needs
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What’s in it for You?
Salary
£63,750 – £78,750 (dependent on experience)
Benefits
- Bonus (up to 12.5% performance-related)
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 for a bespoke package
- Pension (competitive Rolls-Royce SMR scheme)
- Holidays – 28 days + public holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working
Why Join Us?
You’ll join an organisation that values transparency, fairness and innovation in a flexible, inclusive and supportive environment. Benefits include:
✔ Opportunities for progression in a rapidly scaling business ✔ A culture focused on collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence is key! While there is no such thing as a perfect candidate, if you meet 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you. We especially welcome applications from those making a career move or sector transition with transferable skills.
Application Process
Due to nuclear industry security requirements, successful candidates will need to:
- Obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
- Undergo a basic financial probity check
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