Senior Commercial Manager

Overview

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the delivery of fusion energy through the design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing 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 UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant with first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKIFS, 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 and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• A wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

A full list of benefits can be found here:

The salary for this role is £62,858

This permanent position is to be based in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

For more information on UKIFS, visit:

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key leader ensuring the effective procurement, execution, and management of high-value contracts. You will work at the heart of a world-class engineering programme, shaping contract strategy and enabling industry partnerships that will drive the realisation of fusion energy.

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts, including supply, engineering, and service agreements
• Ensure contract terms align with programme goals, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Drive a collaborative approach to contract management, ensuring fair and productive relationships with Whole Plant Partners
• Provide expert risk assessment and mitigation strategies for contractual obligations
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget
• Develop and maintain robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contract performance
• Lead the resolution of contract disputes, working closely with legal, technical, and sourcing teams
• Maintain compliance with all commercial, legal, and regulatory frameworks

• Oversee and develop a cross-functional commercial team, including UKIFS employees and Whole Plant Partner representatives
• Stay ahead of industry advancements in fusion energy and apply insights to optimise contract strategies
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture, ensuring seamless integration across teams
• Mentor and coach team members, providing guidance on complex contract management issues
• Lead on continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes and supplier performance
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure contract compliance across all stakeholders

• Serve as the primary contact for all contract-related matters within your IPT
• Work closely with technical and commercial teams to drive contract performance
• Provide training and support to internal teams on best practices in contract management
• Act as a cultural ambassador, ensuring UKIFS values are reflected in all partnerships and negotiations

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.

We are looking for a seasoned contract management professional with a track record of success in complex, high-value engineering projects.

Essential

Skills & Experience:

• MCIPS or RICS Qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in senior contract management, ideally in engineering or major infrastructure projects
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks
• Experience leading small to medium-sized commercial teams and delivering strategic outcomes
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment, ensuring strict compliance
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience working cross-functionally
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term collaborative partnerships
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, evolving programme

Desirable

Experience:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience…