Commercial Lead

Sizewell C; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A significant infrastructure project in the UK is seeking a Commercial Lead to take charge of complex commercial packages in nuclear and civil construction. The role involves leading procurement, negotiation, and post-award management while ensuring alignment with project goals and safety standards. Candidates should have senior-level experience in commercial roles on major projects, chartered status, and strong procurement expertise. This position offers an opportunity to shape strategy and lead high-performing teams in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in commercial or supply chain roles on major projects.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and/or FIDIC contracts.
• Experience in nuclear or regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex procurement activity to ensure compliance.
• Drive supplier performance and governance post-award.
• Build and lead high-performing teams for project success.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Team leadership

Risk mitigation

Education

Degree in relevant field

Chartered status (RICS, ICE, CICES, IOB, CIPS)

Job description

As a Commercial Lead, you'll take ownership of some of the most significant and complex commercial packages on the project covering civil and nuclear construction works, major equipment, and enabling contracts. You'll lead procurement, negotiation, and post-award commercial management, working with suppliers, regulators, and Tier 1 contractors. You'll play a key leadership role, shaping strategy, mentoring teams, and ensuring delivery aligns with project goals, contract requirements, and nuclear safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex procurement activity
• Ensure value for money, transparency, and compliance
• Manage competitive tendering, contract negotiation, and award

Post-Award Management

• Drive supplier performance and governance
• Mitigate risks and resolve commercial issues
• Provide strategic oversight across your portfolio

Leadership

• Build and lead high-performing teams
• Act as a key interface with regulators and delivery partners
• Embed collaboration and best practice across the supply chain

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in commercial or supply chain roles on major infrastructure or energy projects
• Expertise in procurement and contract management
• Strong knowledge of NEC and/or FIDIC contracts
• Chartered status (RICS, ICE, CICES, IOB, CIPS or equivalent)
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills

Nice-to-haves

• Degree-qualified
• Experience in nuclear or regulated industries
• Understanding of the UK nuclear regulatory environment and supply chain landscape
• Familiarity with safety case and licence conditions in nuclear, Humility
• Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences
• Be open to other's points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise

Positivity

• Positively challenge poor quality and performance
• Identify solutions at the lowest possible level
• Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward