Programme Commercial Manager
STEP Fusion
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
STEP Fusion is seeking a Lead Commercial Manager to define and deliver commercial strategy across IPTs within the STEP fusion programme. You will shape contracting approaches, manage risk allocation and supply chain strategy for a first‑of‑its‑kind project.
Based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, the role requires senior commercial leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and accountability for major contracts and long‑term value for money in collaboration with government partners.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in commercial and/ or procurement on construction, infrastructure projects or similar.
- Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
- Demonstrated experience operating at programme level, influencing or integrating multiple delivery streams or contracts.
- Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
- Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control, and final accounts.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial function within their IPT
- Influence cross-IPT commercial decision-making and contribute to programme-wide commercial frameworks and governance
- Represent commercial at senior internal and external forums, including executive and government stakeholders
- Shape innovative commercial delivery solutions to support the successful delivery of a first-of-a-kind fusion programme
- Oversee cost management and commercial control across IPT portfolios
- Drive risk, claims and dispute management to protect programme objectives
Skills
Education
Job description
The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.
The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.
Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.
- Outstandingdefined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporatebonus schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working optionsincluding family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programmeand trained Mental Health First Aiders,
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
- Wide range ofcareer development opportunities
- A vibrantculturecommitted to being fullyinclusive
A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
The salary for this role is £64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.
This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.
For more information on UKIFS, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf
The Lead Commercial Manager is a senior commercial leader accountable for the definition and delivery of commercial strategy across one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), ensuring alignment to the overall STEP programme commercial model and long-term delivery objectives. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and acts as a senior commercial authority, shaping programme-wide approaches to contracting, risk allocation, and supply chain strategy within a First-of-a-kind, highly complex infrastructure programme.
The post holder will provide strategic commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early market engagement and procurement strategy development through to contract delivery, optimisation, and closeout.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role provides expert commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle - from cost planning and procurement through to final account agreement. The post holder will work closely with finance, programme and technical colleagues, representing commercial in a quad governance arrangement accountable for the successful execution of the IPTs objectives. Relationships will need to be built and maintained with internal stakeholders, external partners, and key suppliers to ensure the successful execution of contracts, with a focus on alliancing, collaborative working, and delivering business objectives. This position is pivotal to ensuring that the programme achieves the tactical objectives of the IPT contributing to the strategic success of the STEP programme. The role holder will be accountable for the oversight of a portfolio of contracts within their area, acting as the STEP commercial representative on strategic, high value and/or complex contracts and delegating authority to Commercial Managers where appropriate to do so.
The role is integral to a quad governance arrangement and is accountable not only for IPT outcomes but also for influencing and assuring commercial coherence across the wider STEP programme.
- Lead the commercial function within their IPT
- Influence cross-IPT commercial decision-making and contribute to programme-wide commercial frameworks and governance
- Represent commercial at senior internal and external forums, including executive and government stakeholders
- Shape innovative commercial delivery solutions to support the successful delivery of a first-of-a-kind fusion programme
- Provide expert leadership in the development of rocurment and contractracting strategies for complex contracts.
- Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contractual arrangements, including joint ventures, alliancing models, major construction and infrastructure argements including but not limited to joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts, specific to the IPT.
- Define and influence commercial strategies that align IPT delivery with overall programme objectives and long-term commercial models
- Develop innovative commercial solutions in areas where limited precedent exists, reflecting the novel nature of fusion delivery
- Ensure contract terms reflect programme risk appetite, regulatory frameworks, and commercial objectives
- Establish and oversee robust commercial risk identification and mitigation strategies
- Lead the commercial and cost strategy for major portfolios of construction and infrastructure contracts in the IPT, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance.
- Ensure integration of cost strategies across multiple contracts and delivery partners to optimise programme-level outcomes
- Provide strategic oversight and commercial leadership in the management of:
- Cost planning and cost breakdown structures
- Target costs and commercial incentive models (e.g pain/gain)
- Forecasts, cashflows, and earned value metrics
- Advise senior stakeholders on commercial implications of strategic programme decisions, including scope evolution, delivery models, and investment decisions
- Maintain accountability for cost management within governance thresholds while influencing programme affordability and value for money
- When acting as commercial representative on a strategic contract, ensure change is being managed effectively i.e. properly instructed, valued, negotiated, and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms (e.g. NEC).
- Be accountable for ensuring that value for money, robustness, and contractual compliance is maintained and demonstrable on all contracts within the IPT.
- Support direct reports in reaching agreement on final accounts and ensure timely, controlled contract close‑out.
- Drive alignment of change control practices across IPTs to support programme consistency and auditability
- Shape and influence the development of programme-wide commercial delivery models and contracting frameworks
- Provide expert guidance to direct reports and senior stakeholders on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation, and commercial models.
- Lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages on all strategic contracts within the portfolio.
- Be accountable for ensuring contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive contractor performance, utilising contractual performance metrics, commercial levers and strong relationship management to deliver desired outcomes.
- Provide expert leadership in the management of escalated cost and commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed and implemented and outcomes acceptable to the programme are achieved.
- Resolve high-value, multi-party disputes with significant programme implications
- Lead dispute avoidance activities through early intervention, commercial negotiation, and strong relationship management.
- Provide expertise and leadership in formal dispute resolution processes where required.
- Support the Senior Commercial Manager in resolution of complex and/or escalated issues and disputes.
- Produce and present high‑quality cost and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Provide programme-level insight and assurance on cost, risk, and commercial performance across portfolios
- Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements across the role holder’s portfolio.
- Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance.
- Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality, and reporting discipline.
- Act as a senior commercial interface with government bodies, regulators and strategic partners, influencing policy and commercial approaches
- Build and maintain trusted relationships within the wider Commercial team, Senior Project Managers, Senior Engineers, Senior Finance representatives, and other senior stakeholders including executive level directors.
- Represent the organisation in commercial meetings with key external stakeholders including DESNZ and Cabinet Office commercial colleagues
- Represent the organisation as the lead cost and commercial authority in meetings with contractors and delivery partners.
- Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional oversight to direct reports, and other commercial colleagues.
- Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour, and organisational values.
- Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours. You embrace and embody our organization's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
- Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
- Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
- Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.
- Significant experience in commercial and/ or procurement on construction, infrastructure projects or similar.
- Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
- Demonstrated experience operating at programme level, influencing or integrating multiple delivery streams or contracts
- Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
- Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control, and final accounts.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Experience operating in ambiguous, evolving or first-of-a-kind delivery environments requiring innovative commercial solutions
- Actively working towards or qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS/FRICS)
- Ability to demonstrate competence aligned to RICS/ CIPS pathways, particularly:
- Commercial Management of Construction
- Construction Technology and Environmental Services
- Contract Practice
- Procurement and Tendering
- Risk Management
- Experience working in highly regulated or public‑sector environments.
- Experience supporting or managing quantity surveying/ procurement staff.
- Familiarity with assurance, governance, and delegated authority frameworks.
- Experience engaging with executive-level stakeholders and government bodies on commercial strategy
Professional Development and Collaboration: Active engagement with APM and other relevant external bodies as part of continuous development. Support the wider STEP PPM community via active contributions at STEP meetings and events, contributions at Community of Practice or conferences etc.
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.
UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.
As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work:
- We champion safety
- We all matter
- We act as one
- We embrace change
- We are pioneering
- We deliver
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.
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