Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon‑free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground‑breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
Job Description
The Commercial Manager plays a critical role in shaping and delivering UKAEA’s strategic commercial agenda. This position leads the development, negotiation, and management of complex commercial agreements—including collaboration contracts, consortium arrangements, and framework deals—across the organisation. Operating at the heart of high‑value, multi‑million‑pound engagements, the role enables impactful partnerships and supports the delivery of UKAEA’s growing Research & Development (R&D) portfolio.
Core Responsibilities
* Lead commercial input into major projects and programmes, ensuring timely, high‑quality support aligned with project milestones.
* Shape commercial strategy for non‑regulated procurements, partnerships, and collaborations.
* Provide expert judgement on risk allocation, negotiation approach, and commercial positioning.
* Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including:
o Collaboration agreements, Consortium and NDAs
* Identify and mitigate commercial, legal, financial, and delivery risks throughout the negotiation lifecycle.
* Resolve commercial issues and disputes, escalating where appropriate.
* Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, IP, Programme Management and technical teams to ensure agreements meet organisational needs.
* Act as a key interface with external partners, suppliers, research institutions, and industry collaborators.
* Support internal governance forums with commercial insight and reporting, including performance, risks and pipeline.
* Promote continuous improvement and contribute to the development of commercial policies and frameworks.
Qualifications
* Strong experience in Public Sector procurement, with sound knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR 2023).
* Broad technical understanding across a range of procurement categories, underpinned by strategic procurement expertise.
* Commercially astute and customer‑focused, with the ability to balance value, risk and stakeholder priorities.
* Advanced negotiation skills, including experience negotiating at senior levels and a working knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
* Collaborative and effective team player, contributing positively within a Commercial Procurement team environment.
Additional Information
Full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ but highlights include:
* £57117 base salary inclusive of specialist allowance
* Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
* 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege day and 8 Bank holidays
* Flexible and hybrid working options
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. Further information can be found here.
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