Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

Company Description

The UK Government has established [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], a subsidiary of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave: 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

Full benefits list: https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

Salary: £64,115. This role includes a non-contractual, non-pensionable specialist allowance of up to £7,000 for candidates with CIPS/MCIPS certifications.

Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working expected 3 days per week (Hybrid).

Job Description

The Role: As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key commercial leader within one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), driving procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme.

Contract Strategy & Delivery:

• Lead drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts.
• Ensure contract terms reflect best practice within the construction industry.
• Drive collaborative, alliance-based approach with Whole Plant Partners and Tier 1 contractors.
• Provide construction-focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee full contract lifecycle for construction packages.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting systems for contractor performance, cost forecasting, and compliance.
• Lead resolution of contractual issues, drawing on NEC contract management and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain compliance with commercial, legal, health & safety and regulatory frameworks.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and develop cross-functional commercial team supporting construction delivery.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models, digital construction, MMC, and large-scale infrastructure contracting.
• Promote collaborative, high-performance culture across teams.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex commercial matters and NEC processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes and supply chain performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as principal point of contact for contract-related matters within your IPT.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, construction management and commercial teams.
• Provide training on NEC procedures and best practices.
• Serve as cultural ambassador for [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], ensuring values reflected in supplier interactions.

Qualifications

Essential:

• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in senior contract management within construction, engineering, or major infrastructure projects.
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts, construction procurement and commercial frameworks.
• Experience leading small to medium commercial teams.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in highly regulated environment.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset and adaptability.

Desirable:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience with Joint Ventures or Consortia contracts in infrastructure.
• Public sector experience including government procurement regulations.
• Experience leading commercial transformation in construction.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups. For adjustments, contact [contact hidden]. This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) including DBS checks. SC clearance may be required in future. For applicants outside UK, see criminal records checks. Vacancies generally advertised for 4 weeks. Apply via the 'I'm interested' button.