Head of Commercial

STEP Fusion; Retford; On-site; GBP 75,078 - 91,763; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

A leading fusion technology organization in the UK is searching for a Head of Commercial to lead strategic contracts for its STEP programme. This role involves developing contract strategies, forging partnerships, and ensuring compliance within a regulated environment. Candidates should possess extensive experience in complex contracts, strong negotiation skills, and an MCIPS or RICS qualification. The position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, reflecting the organization's commitment to inclusivity and career development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing large, complex contracts in engineering.
• Strong expertise in contract law and procurement strategies.
• Ability to operate in a highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead contract strategy for the STEP programme.
• Forge long-term strategic alliances with partners.
• Champion alliancing principles and partnership culture.

Skills

Contract management expertise

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Problem-solving

Education

MCIPS or RICS qualification

Job description

Company

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), was established to lead the delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details at the end of this advert
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options, including family‑friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of employment
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, plus UK bank holidays
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
• Wide range of career development opportunities

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary of £83,421.

Location

West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working expected for 3 days each week.

Role

Head of Commercial within the Commercial Division of UKIFS. This role leads the strategic contracts that power the STEP programme, ensuring commercial partnerships fuel innovation and delivery excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead contract strategy, ensuring cost assurance, transparency, and commercial discipline.
• Forge and nurture long‑term strategic alliances with Whole Plant Partners, creating high‑impact commercial relationships.
• Craft forward‑thinking procurement strategies and embed leading‑edge contract terms for supplier performance.
• Champion alliancing principles, embedding partnership culture.
• Collaborate closely with technology leads to align contracts with programme scope and innovation goals.
• Act as a catalyst for growth in the UK fusion supply chain.
• Lead proactive dispute resolution and contract modifications.
• Uphold commercial governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory, legal and sector‑specific requirements.

Team Leadership

• Partner with the Commercial Director to shape a world‑class commercial function.
• Build, inspire and empower a high‑performing contract management team.
• Mentor and develop team members for a complex, fast‑moving environment.
• Influence programme‑wide strategy through data‑led commercial decision‑making.
• Lead with integrity, professionalism and purpose.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as senior commercial voice within the programme, shaping scope, delivery pathways and partner engagement.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to integrate commercial strategy.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador for UKIFS, championing values and inclusivity.

Industry Integration

• Develop commercial and procurement frameworks for strategic contracts.
• Lead commercial workstream during selection and onboarding of major industry partners.
• Guide partners through integration into the STEP programme.
• Continuously evolve commercial governance and leadership approaches.

Qualifications

We are seeking a visionary leader with a deep understanding of complex contract management, particularly in high‑value, innovative engineering or infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills & Experience

• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience managing large, complex contracts, ideally in engineering.
• Strong expertise in contract law, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in alliancing or collaborative contract models (e.g., NEC contracts).
• Experience leading large commercial teams and engaging cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Exceptional negotiation, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to operate in a highly regulated environment and manage complex compliance requirements.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of delivering best‑for‑programme outcomes.
• Adaptability within a fast‑changing, evolving programme.

Desirable Experience

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience developing joint ventures or consortia contracts.
• Experience in a commercial leadership role within a start‑up or high‑growth environment.
• Leadership in commercial transformation or organisational change initiatives.
• Public sector and private sector experience with knowledge of regulatory frameworks.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Email [e-mail] if you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.

Applicants may be required to complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks and DBS checks. SC clearance may be required in the future; existing clearance can be transferred.

For applicants from outside the UK or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants for information on criminal records checks. If your country is not listed or the UK Government has no information, we cannot process your application.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment. To view them all, please visit Careers - STEP.