Principal Commercial Manager - Reading, Berkshire,RG7 4PRJob Type:Full-TimeSalary: 63270 - 95000 per annumAWE is currently recruiting for a Principal Commercial Manager for the Commercial team. Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.Package: 63,270 to 95,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. Ready to play your part? At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Our work underpins national safety and security. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part? The role As a Principal Commercial Manager, you will operate as the client side commercial authority for large, complex infrastructure contracts, playing a critical role in enabling safe, assured and value for money delivery. Providing commercial and contract performance leadership to the project team to enable effective management of project and commercial risk. This is a senior commercial management role, requiring sound judgement, confidence operating in ambiguity, and the ability to lead others through complex commercial challenges. You will be trusted to take decisions, manage risk proportionately, and provide clear direction in high stakes environments. You will lead strategic planning and governance. Manage, develop and mentor a team that administer the contracts, and get involved in contract disputes. You will support the procurement team, advising on contract options management, working with tier 1 Suppliers and managing KPI reviews / planning. Integration and cross functional relationship management is key. What you will do Act as Client Commercial Manager for large, complex infrastructure contracts across their full lifecycle ensuring they deliver value for money and achieve the objectivesProvide commercial management leadership, ensuring risk, change and performance are managed effectively and proportionatelyLead a team that manages supplier payments and analysis of contract and subcontract agreementsSet and maintain contract governance, reporting, assurance and standards, aligned to organisational objectivesLead engagement with Tier 1 suppliers, including the management of complex issues and disputesInfluence and advise senior internal stakeholders, bringing clarity to complex commercial decisionsLead, develop and mentor commercial management professionals, building capability and confidence across teamsDraft, review and negotiate complex contractual arrangementsSupport the wider business through shared learning for continuous improvementSupport the organisation with future business planning of capital spend This role is focused on commercial management and client side leadership, working alongside procurement colleagues where required. What success looks like in this role We are looking for people who can consistently demonstrate the following: Making effective decisionsExercises strong commercial judgement in complex, uncertain and highrisk situationsBalances assurance, risk and pace to support delivery rather than defaulting to processTakes ownership of decisions and is comfortable being accountable for outcomesSeeing the big pictureUnderstands how individual contracts contribute to wider programme and organisational objectivesAnticipates future risks and issues rather than reacting when they crystalliseThinks strategically about contract structure, incentives and behaviours, not just complianceCommunicating and influencingInfluences senior stakeholders and suppliers with credibility and confidenceExplains complex contractual issues clearly, pragmatically and without unnecessary jargonHandles challenge, disagreement and dispute constructively and professionallyLeadershipSets clear expectations and standards for commercial management practiceDevelops others through coaching, mentoring and role modelling good judgementCreates a culture of trust, accountability and continuous improvement Experience we are looking for We are interested in what you have done and how you operate, not just your formal qualifications. You are likely to have significant experience in areas such as:Managing large, complex infrastructure or engineering contracts through deliveryActing as the clientside commercial lead in regulated or safetycritical environmentsManaging contractual change, performance, risk and disputesWorking with senior stakeholders across organisational boundariesLeading and developing people in matrix or multidisciplinary teamsPricing arrangements and commercial models e.g. target cost incentive feeEarned value managementSupporting the development of tender packagesSupport the drafting and review of contract scope Experience of NEC contracts, target cost / incentive mechanisms, or tools such as CEMAR is helpful, but not essential. Transferable experience and sound judgement are more important than familiarity with specific forms or systems. Background and qualifications If you have the experience, judgement and behaviours needed to operate at this level, Principal Commercial Manager, we want to hear from you - regardless of your formal qualifications. We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have any of the following: 10 years relevant commercial management experienceA bachelor's degree in commercial management, quantity surveying, economics, business, law, or a similar discipline or equivalent experience.A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), or similar If you have any other experience, qualifications or professional membership that you consider makes you a great fit for AWE, please share as they will be considered as part of the selection process. Our commitment We actively encourage applications from people with diverse professional backgrounds and career paths. If this role excites you but you are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we would still strongly encourage you to apply. Work hard, be rewarded: We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including: 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave. Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring. Hybrid working is available on a noncontractual basis (typically 3 days onsite or in the office per week). #LI-RS1#LI-Hybrid