Lead Commercial Manager - Customers

Rolls-Royce plc; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Lead Commercial Manager – Customers to guide drafting, negotiation and governance of high-value contracts for major programmes in a hybrid Derby-based role. You will partner with strategic customers and internal teams to drive value, manage risk and ensure successful contract execution across critical projects.

The role requires senior-level commercial experience, strong negotiation, and the ability to operate in a regulated, multi-stakeholder environment; a

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial or contract management environments.
• Experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts in engineering, infrastructure, energy or similar sectors.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders and influence senior levels.
• Experience contributing to commercial strategy and delivering value through contracts.
• Ability to lead within a collaborative, matrix structure.
• Experience supporting governance, processes or capability development within a Commercial function (desirable).
• Experience with industry contract forms such as NEC, FIDIC, JCT (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, negotiation and management of complex customer contracts.
• Ensure compliance with commercial governance, policies and reporting requirements.
• Support development and delivery of commercial strategy aligned to programme objectives.
• Manage commercial risk and drive value through contract performance oversight.
• Influence and engage senior internal and external stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Contribute to development of Commercial function, governance and best practice.
• Support and mentor junior team members.
• Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, potentially deputising when required.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Commercial strategy

Governance & processes

Leadership in matrix organisations

Mentoring juniors

Job description

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.Our Customer Commercial function sits at the heart of this journey, enabling the successful delivery of major customer contracts while supporting future growth. With multiple customer agreements secured and more in development, we are entering a critical phase of delivery and expansion, with dedicated Commercial teams in place supporting our existing customers in the UK, Czech Republic and Sweden.If you have a specific preference in role, please let us know.To support this, we’re looking for a **Lead Commercial Manager – Customers** to play a key role in managing high-value, complex contracts and shaping our commercial capability. You’ll work closely with strategic customers and internal stakeholders to drive value, manage risk and ensure successful contract execution across major programmes.**What you’ll be doing*** Lead the drafting, negotiation and management of complex customer contracts* Ensure compliance with RR SMR commercial governance, policies and reporting requirements* Support the development and delivery of commercial strategy aligned to programme objectives* Manage commercial risk and drive value through effective contract management and performance oversight* Influence and engage senior internal and external stakeholders across a matrix environment* Contribute to the development and maturity of the Commercial function, including processes, governance and best practice* Support and mentor junior members of the team* Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, which may include deputising, where required**What you’ll bring*** Significant experience in commercial or contract management environments* Strong experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts within engineering, infrastructure, energy or other similar sectors* Proven ability to operate in complex, regulated or high-risk environments and manage commercial risk* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including working at senior levels* Experience contributing to commercial strategy and delivering value through contracts* Ability to lead within a collaborative, matrix structure* Experience supporting governance, processes or capability development within a Commercial function (desirable)* Experience of industry contract forms such as NEC, FIDIC, JCT or similar (advantageous but not essential)**Location & Ways of Working**This role can be based from our Derby office. We operate hybrid working, with regular weekly office attendance expected. Travel may be required depending on customer and programme needs.**What’s in it for you?**Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 depending on experience and benefits include:* Bonus – up to 12.5% performance-related* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 for a bespoke package* Pension – competitive Rolls-Royce SMR scheme* Holidays – 28 days + public holidays* Flexible and hybrid workingYou’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness and innovation, offering:* A flexible, inclusive and supportive environment* Opportunities for progression in a rapidly scaling business* A culture centred on collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement**Pay Range:**£60,000.00-£78,750.00**Why Join Us?**You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment. • Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business. • A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.**Our Application Process**Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance • Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check • Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check#LI-hybrid