Procurement Lead, Fusion Projects & Programs

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £44,402 incl. £4,000 specialist

Up to 7% bonus

Final salary pension with 21.5%',"?":"

25 days annual leave

Site closure over Christmas

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a procurement professional to join the Commercial team, delivering end-to-end procurement across a diverse portfolio and providing commercial guidance to project teams. The role supports public sector procurement regulations and NEC contract frameworks.

You will lead tender discussions, supplier engagement, and bid evaluations while mentoring apprentices and graduates, ensuring value-for-money outcomes and compliant processes across the contract lifecycle.

Qualifications

• CIPS Level 4 Diploma, working towards MCIPS.
• Experience delivering public sector procurement activities and applying UK Public Procurement Regulations.
• Experience managing procurement and tendering activities, including supplier negotiations and bid evaluations.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and contract management principles.
• Experience using e-procurement portals and electronic contract management systems.
• Ability to analyse commercial information and apply sound commercial judgement to achieve value for money.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for projects up to £1 million, from market engagement through to contract award and close-out.
• Provide commercial advice to Project Managers and Contract Project Managers on procurement and contractual strategies.
• Evaluate tenders, negotiate commercial agreements and support the resolution of contractual claims and disputes.
• Lead tender discussions, supplier engagement activities and bid evaluation panels, ensuring compliant and value-driven procurement outcomes.
• Support contract management activities throughout the contract lifecycle in accordance with UKAEA procurement processes.
• Develop and maintain procurement systems, databases and reporting tools, validating data and identifying opportunities to improve commercial processes.
• Deliver guidance and training on procurement systems, commercial practices and the e-tendering portal to colleagues across the organisation.
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, providing commercial advice and regular updates on procurement activities.
• Mentor Procurement Apprentices and Graduates, supporting the development of commercial capability within the team.
• Contribute to the development of category management strategies, commercial policies and standard terms and conditions.

Skills

Procurement experience

Public sector procurement

Contract management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Education

CIPS Level 4 Diploma

Tools

NEC contracts knowledge

e-procurement portals

Electronic contract management systems

Job description

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a procurement professional to join the Commercial team, delivering end-to-end procurement across a diverse portfolio and providing commercial guidance to project teams. The role supports public sector procurement regulations and NEC contract frameworks.

You will lead tender discussions, supplier engagement, and bid evaluations while mentoring apprentices and graduates, ensuring value-for-money outcomes and compliant processes across the contract lifecycle.