Commercial Manager - Nuclear

Vulcain Engineering Group; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcain Engineering invites a commercially minded professional to join the Supply Chain function in the UK, Ipswich, to lead commercial aspects of major contracts for a nationally important infrastructure programme. The role covers governance, supplier management, negotiations, and contract variations; you will partner with project teams and stakeholders to drive value while ensuring delivery.

Candidates with NEC/FIDIC knowledge and experience in regulated sectors are encouraged to apply;

Qualifications

• Experience delivering commercial or contract management on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong contract administration knowledge and commercial best practices.
• Experience managing suppliers and navigating complex stakeholders.
• Knowledge of contract change management, risk assessment and claims resolution.
• Familiarity with NEC and FIDIC contracts.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret business risk.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with stakeholders.
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset balancing commercial and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Act as the commercial lead for allocated contract packages, from procurement to completion.
• Partner with project teams to develop commercial strategies aligned with objectives.
• Support tendering exercises including evaluations, negotiations, and awards.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and contractors; ensure obligations fulfilled.
• Review contract performance and identify value, risk, and outcomes improvements.
• Lead assessment and management of variations, compensation events, claims, and disputes.
• Produce commercial analysis, forecasts, and reports for decision-making.
• Ensure governance and maintain contract documentation throughout lifecycle.
• Collaborate with procurement, legal, project controls, and delivery teams to resolve issues and maintain momentum.
• Support development of less experienced team members and continuous improvement.

Skills

Contract administration

Supplier management

Commercial risk assessment

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

NEC/FIDIC knowledge

Change management

Job description

Vulcain Engineering, a player in engineering and consulting, supports global industrial leaders in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future. We support our customers in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of their complex infrastructures that will shape the world of tomorrow.

With operations in 17 countries and employing over 6,000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by delivering expertise in the form of high added value engineering services.

In the UK, we have a key focus the Nuclear sector, contributing to ground breaking projects, such as Hinkley Point C (HPC).

We\'re looking for a commercially-minded professional to join the Supply Chain function and support the delivery of one of the UK\'s most significant infrastructure programmes.

As a Commercial Manager, you\'ll take ownership of the commercial aspects of key project contracts, ensuring strong governance, effective supplier management, and successful commercial outcomes. Working across procurement, contract delivery, and project stakeholders, you\'ll play an important role in protecting commercial interests while driving value throughout the contract lifecycle.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Commercial Manager will include:

• Acting as the commercial lead for allocated contract packages, providing support from initial procurement activities through to contract completion.
• Partnering with project teams to develop effective commercial strategies that align with project objectives and delivery requirements.
• Supporting tendering exercises including commercial evaluations, supplier negotiations, and contract award recommendations.
• Managing commercial relationships with suppliers and contractors, promoting collaboration whilst ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Reviewing contract performance and identifying opportunities to improve value, reduce risk, and enhance project outcomes.
• Leading the assessment and management of contract variations, compensation events, claims, and commercial disputes.
• Producing commercial analysis, forecasts, and management reports to support informed business decision-making.
• Ensuring robust commercial governance and maintaining accurate contract documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Working closely with procurement, legal, project controls, and delivery teams to resolve contractual issues and maintain programme momentum.
• Supporting the development of less experienced team members and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

This position offers the opportunity to work within a complex, fast-paced environment where you\'ll influence strategic decisions and contribute to the successful delivery of a nationally important clean energy project.

Preferred Profile

• Previous experience delivering commercial or contract management activities within large-scale infrastructure, engineering, construction, energy, or capital project environments.
• Strong understanding of contract administration principles and commercial best practice.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrable knowledge of contract change management, commercial risk assessment, and claims resolution processes.
• Familiarity with industry-standard forms of contract such as NEC and FIDIC.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret financial information and assess business risk.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, capable of balancing commercial objectives with project delivery requirements.
• Professional membership, or progress towards accreditation with organisations such as RICS, CICES, or IOB, would be beneficial.
• Experience gained within highly regulated sectors such as nuclear, utilities, transportation, defence, or major infrastructure would be advantageous.
• Reside locally to Ipswich or be prepared to relocate, as this permanent role does not include travel expense coverage.

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