Company Description
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 construction of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.
Benefits
* 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 right to request flexible working from the start of employment
* Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
* Generous annual leave allowance: 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
* Wide range of career development opportunities
* A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
The salary for this role is £51,317. An additional allowance of £5,800 may be paid where MCIPS is held.
This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.
Job Description
The Commercial Manager is a senior commercial professional responsible for pre‑ and post‑contract commercial activity, including procurement strategy and delivery, financial management, cost control, and commercial assurance of complex construction, engineering, or infrastructure contracts within Integrated Project Teams (IPTs). The role holder operates with a degree of autonomy, providing expert commercial advice across the full project lifecycle and working closely with internal stakeholders, external partners, and key suppliers to ensure successful contract execution.
Pre‑contract and Procurement
* Support drafting, review, and negotiation of complex contracts such as joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts.
* Collaborate with technical, legal, and sourcing teams to ensure contract terms reflect project objectives, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.
* Assess and identify potential risks within contracts and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
* Develop and implement performance metrics in contracts.
* Lead the management and delivery of procurements within a regulated environment.
Cost Management & Commercial Control
* Lead cost management for major construction, infrastructure, or engineering contracts, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance.
* Manage cost plans, cost breakdown structures, target costs, pain/gain mechanisms, forecasts, cashflows, and earned value metrics.
* Provide authoritative advice on commercial and cost impacts of design development, scope change, and programme movement.
* Ensure management of costs aligns with approved budgets, governance thresholds, and delegated authorities.
Measurement, Valuation & Change Control
* Ensure change is managed effectively on contracts: properly instructed, valued, negotiated, and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms (e.g., NEC).
* Ensure contractor submissions deliver value for money, robustness, and contractual compliance.
* Support direct reports in achieving agreement on final accounts and in timely, controlled contract close‑out.
Contract Support
* Provide expert guidance to direct reports on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation, and commercial models.
* Lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages.
* Ensure contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
Risk, Claims & Dispute Management
* Provide guidance and leadership in managing cost and commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
* Lead dispute avoidance activities through early intervention, commercial negotiation, and robust contract administration.
* Lead and support formal dispute resolution processes where required.
* Support the Lead Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager in resolving complex issues and disputes.
Reporting, Governance & Assurance
* Produce and present high‑quality cost and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders.
* Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
* Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance.
* Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality, and reporting discipline.
Stakeholder Management & Leadership
* Build and maintain trusted relationships with the wider Commercial team, Project Managers, Engineers, Finance, and senior stakeholders.
* Represent the organisation as the lead cost and commercial authority in meetings with contractors and delivery partners.
* Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional oversight to direct reports and other commercial colleagues.
* Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour, and organisational values.
Embody a Leadership Mindset
* Embody a leadership mindset and behaviours, fostering a positive and inclusive team environment aligned with our cultural values.
* Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity and teamwork.
* Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our values and professionalism in all interactions.
* Lead by example – demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
* Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
The above list is not exhaustive; additional reasonable tasks or duties may be requested.
Qualifications
We are looking for a strategic, results‑driven contract professional with a strong background in engineering, infrastructure, or major project contract management.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Significant experience in commercial and/or procurement on construction, infrastructure engineering projects or similar.
* Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
* Strong understanding of standard contract forms (e.g., NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
* Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control, and final accounts.
* Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in highly regulated or public‑sector environments.
* Experience supporting or managing quantity surveying or procurement staff.
* Familiarity with assurance, governance, and delegated authority frameworks.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and works to increase diversity within the organisation.
UKIFS is committed to accessibility. Please contact talent@ukifs.uk if you need assistance or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to interview formats or the sharing of information.
Applicants will be required to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. SC Clearance may be required in the future; if already held it can be transferred to UKIFS.
For overseas applicants, see the UK Government guidance on criminal record checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. Applications will not be processed if a required check cannot be obtained.
Vacancies are generally advertised for four weeks but may close earlier if applications are received early.
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