Commercial Manager - Nuclear

Vulcain Engineering - UK; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Private Medical & Dental Insurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Training & Development

Travel Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Vulcain Engineering Ltd in the UK seeks a Commercial Manager to own commercial aspects of key contracts within a major infrastructure programme. You will work across procurement, contract delivery and project stakeholders to protect commercial interests while driving value throughout the lifecycle.

The role requires experience in large-scale infrastructure, strong governance, supplier management and the ability to negotiate and resolve claims. Applicants locally based to Ipswich are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering commercial or contract management activities within large-scale infrastructure, engineering, energy, or capital projects.
• Solid understanding of contract administration principles and commercial best practices.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as commercial lead for allocated contract packages, from procurement to contract completion.
• Develop commercial strategies aligned with project objectives and delivery requirements.
• Support tendering with commercial evaluations, supplier negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Manage supplier and contractor relationships, ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Contract administration

Risk assessment

NEC/FIDIC familiarity

Financial acumen

Job description

Vulcain Engineering Ltd, our UK business, is well positioned within the UK Nuclear industry. We provide the flexibility our clients demand by working at our customers’ sites in the UK and Europe as well as carrying out work remotely on their behalf. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of organisational support to key projects.

Vulcain Engineering was founded in the mid-2000s to specialise in energy and environment projects. Our knowledge of the energy and environment sector means we can support our customers at all stages of the engineering-procurement-construction-commissioning (EPCC) project lifecycle.

With operations in 16 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.

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.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on role criticality and project needs. Many of our UK projects require high-level security clearance, meaning we can often only consider candidates with an existing, indefinite right to work in the UK. Exceptionally, we may consider visa sponsorship for applicants with niche experience aligned to our core work (e.g. EPR/nuclear new build).

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background.

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with the ability to swap bank holidays for cultural or religious celebrations
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Neonatal Care Leave
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training & Development, including additional qualifications and accreditations relevant to your role
• Travel Insurance – for both business and personal travel
• Employee Assistance Programme

At Vulcain Engineering, we offer more than just a job, we offer a rewarding career with endless opportunities for growth and development. You'll be part of a talented team of professionals working on exciting and meaningful projects and making a real impact to the nuclear industry.

We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your talents are valued, and your contributions are recognised.

Vulcain Engineering UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.