commercial leader

AWE plc; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day working fortnight

Pension scheme 9–13%

Family friendly policies

Professional development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance (4x salary)

Discounts on everyday spending

Volunteer/paid leave

Job summary

AWE plc in Reading seeks an experienced commercial leader to oversee multi-hundred-million-pound contracts across estate maintenance, utilities, asset renewal, enabling works, demolition and infrastructure investment. You will lead four Principal Contract Managers and their teams to shape delivery, investment and commercial outcomes across the estate.

The role reports to the Commercial Contract Delivery Director and requires strong leadership, risk management and stakeholder engagement to

Qualifications

• Degree with extensive leadership experience in a commercial function.
• Proven track record in major infrastructure or regulated sectors.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Set the commercial direction and performance expectations for a major Estates & Liabilities portfolio.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise value and manage risk.
• Oversee contractual obligations, performance, change, and governance.
• Lead negotiations and strategic decisions with suppliers.
• Develop capability and succession within the team.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders on investment priorities.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Strategic negotiation

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

RICS/CICES membership (advantageous)

Job description

At AWE, our work helps keep the nation safe. We are seeking an experienced commercial leader to oversee contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds annually across estate maintenance, utilities, asset renewal, enabling works, demolition and infrastructure investment. Leading four Principal Contract Managers and their wider teams, you will work with executive stakeholders, senior programme leaders and strategic suppliers to shape delivery, investment and commercial outcomes across the estate. This is a highly visible role with significant organisational influence and exposure to some of AWE's most important infrastructure decisions.

Why this opportunity is different

• Lead the commercial delivery of a nationally important operational estate supporting the UK's defence and security mission
• Influence major infrastructure, investment and renewal decisions across the full asset lifecycle
• Shape commercial outcomes across a diverse infrastructure and engineering supply chain
• Work alongside senior leaders on some of AWE's most significant infrastructure priorities, providing a strong platform for further leadership progression

Let us introduce the role Reporting to the Commercial Contract Delivery Director, you will be accountable for the commercial performance, governance and strategic management of a major Estates & Liabilities portfolio, ensuring value is delivered, risk is proactively managed and commercial outcomes support long-term business objectives. You will help shape the commercial arrangements that maintain today's operational estate while enabling the investment and infrastructure programmes that will define its future.

What you'll be doing

• Set the commercial direction, priorities and performance expectations for a strategically important Estates & Liabilities portfolio
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximise value, improve performance and effectively manage risk
• Provide robust commercial oversight of contractual obligations, performance measures, change management, claims, disputes, financial mechanisms and governance requirements
• Partner with engineering, operational and programme leaders to translate investment priorities into deliverable commercial strategies
• Lead complex negotiations and provide strategic direction on major commercial and contractual decisions
• Lead AWE's commercial relationships with strategic suppliers, strengthening performance, accountability and long-term value
• Develop the capability, performance and succession strength of a sizeable commercial organisation led through four Principal Contract Managers and their wider teams
• Champion commercial governance, assurance and decision-making across a complex and evolving portfolio
• Significant experience leading commercial teams across major infrastructure, estates, utilities or capital investment portfolios
• A track record of developing commercial strategy, leading complex negotiations and improving outcomes in high-value contracting environments
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and commercial decisions in complex organisations
• Strong commercial, contractual and risk expertise gained in infrastructure, defence, nuclear, energy or another regulated sector
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience; professional membership of RICS, CICES or a similar body would be advantageous

We value experience, judgement and leadership capability above any single career path. If the opportunity excites you but you do not meet every requirement, we would still encourage you to apply.

You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role.

At AWE, we recognise that exceptional leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries.

If you believe you can make a significant contribution to our mission, we would welcome your application.

Package

Competitive leadership salary depending on experience, performance related bonus, flexible benefit scheme.

Working pattern

AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day. This role is eligible for hybrid working, meaning employees typically spend three days on site in a long week and two days on site in a short week. We support flexible working where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, so please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working arrangement when you apply.

Lead the commercial delivery of one of the UK's most complex operational estates,

Benefits

• 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.