Head of Commercial
West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire (with hybrid working and potential for travel)
Our Organisation
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is leading the design, build, and future operation of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). Building on decades of world-leading research, UKIFS works closely with industry partners to turn the promise of fusion into a practical, sustainable energy source for the future.
Our mission is to bring together the expertise needed to deliver commercial fusion energy, developing cost-effective fusion plants that will transform global energy production. With a strong commitment to innovation, diversity, and collaboration, we are creating a world-class workforce to solve one of the planet’s toughest challenges — and shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and visionary Head of Commercial to join us within the Commercial Division on a full-time, permanent basis.
What We Offer
- Salary: £83,421 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- A wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive
This is the ideal opportunity for a RICS or MCIPS qualified contract manager from an engineering, infrastructure or construction background to join our world-leading organisation.
You’ll have the chance to play a critical role in one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile energy programmes, operating at the forefront of commercial innovation and expanding and developing your skills within a unique environment.
We’ll support you with your professional development, ensuring you have all the tools and expertise you need to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant and transform global energy systems, making this the most exciting challenge of your career to date.
Your Role
As the Head of Commercial, you will manage strategic contracts to enable us to deliver the STEP programme, the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant.
Leading one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), you will develop and lead contract strategies, build a high performing team, drive engagement and prepare the programme for industry integration.
Specifically, you will oversee activities within the IPT, building partnerships and developing procurement strategies, whilst working with Technology Leads to identify their needs and develop a fusion supply chain.
You will work with the Commercial Director to enhance the commercial function, forging an exceptional contract management team that you will mentor and guide, and ensuring decision making is aligning with our objectives.
Additionally, you will:
- Represent the commercial function internally and externally
- Work with other functions to ensure business and goal alignment
- Develop processes to enable partnerships and lead integrations and onboarding
About You
To be considered as our Head of Commercial, you will need:
- An MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent)
- Extensive experience managing large, complex contracts in engineering, infrastructure, or construction
- Experience leading large commercial teams and engaging multi-disciplinary stakeholders
- A strong understanding of contract law, procurement frameworks and alliancing models (e.g., NEC)
- Strategic leadership capabilities and a proven record of delivering commercially effective outcomes
- Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills
- The ability to manage regulatory compliance in a complex programme environment
- A proactive, adaptable approach to managing change in fast-paced environments
Please note, this role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
Other organisations may call this role Strategic Commercial Lead, Head of Procurement and Contracts, Engineering Contracts Manager, Head of Contract Management, Lead Contract Manager, Chartered Contract Manager, Commercial Programme Manager, or Senior Commercial Business Partner.
Webrecruit, UKAEA and UKIFS are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you’re ready to shape the future of fusion power as our Head of Commercial, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
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