Senior / Associate Level - Defence / Infrastructure Commercial Manager

-; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks a Senior Commercial Manager to support commercial management on Defence and Infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will oversee contracts, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure compliance with regulatory obligations. The role combines remote work with time on-site, requiring security clearance and a degree. Competitive compensation and a commitment to diversity and inclusion are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Career growth opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven track record of administering contracts to successful outcomes.
• Good understanding of procurement and change management.
• Experience working within a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate contracts throughout project lifecycle.
• Oversee contract performance and ensure compliance.
• Manage commercial relationships and communication with contractors.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Procurement

Change management

Education

Degree Level Education

Tools

CEMAR

NEC contracts

Job description

Overview

Become a vital member of our Project & Programme Services team, proudly taking on some of the world's most exciting and prestigious projects. You'll be part of a genuinely collaborative environment, where everyone is supported to make the most of their talents and where contributions are recognized equally while delivering excellence together. Flexible and remote working are central to our culture.

Describe what matters to you—from reduced weeks to buying more leave—and how we can make reasonable adjustments or support your ambitions outside of work.

Description

We have opportunities for security cleared Senior Commercial Managers at all levels to join our expanding Scotland team. We support our clients in delivering programmes in the Defence, Real Estate, and Infrastructure sectors across Scotland. Roles suit individuals with broad commercial management experience including: procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, industry practices, transformation and change, efficiencies, innovative contractual arrangements, contract management, tendering processes and analysis, and stakeholder management. This role operates on a hybrid working routine, with time expected in our office and a minimum of two days per week on client sites. Provide commercial support on site to Multi-Disciplinary Teams. Assist with the audit and cost verification activities including close out of Task Order of Defined Cost. Prepare field change Cost Advice for the Area. Ensure compliant management of scope change; all Compensation Events (CEs) are validated and recorded in CEMAR. Support and foster a positive Nuclear Safety Culture (NSC).

Desirable

• Practical understanding of the issues faced in the Defence & Security sectors.
• Experience of working on high-profile and complex procurement projects.
• Defence: Experience of complex commercial procurements in Defence, major capital projects, or analogous industries would be of significant interest.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiation of main contracts throughout the lifecycle of project development and execution.
• Work with the project management team to ensure successful project delivery, balancing risk with commercially and contractually viable solutions.
• Overview of critical milestones, assessing and managing in line with contractual obligations.
• Direct and process change, compensation events / variations on the project in compliance with our client's commercial interests.
• Provide interpretation of contracts, process correspondence with parties of the Contract and monitor the delivery of contractual obligations.
• Manage the commercial relationship and communication with contractors during the delivery stage, sustaining close dialogue to proactively address issues.
• Ensure timely delivery of the contract within the set mandate.
• Drive governance processes and required presentation material towards stakeholders and decision bodies such as the Steering Committee.
• Contribute to developing processes regarding contract and claims management.
• NEC or Framework Contract experience.
• Participate or host informal and formal training sessions with our AtkinsRéalis teams and practices.

Qualifications

• UK MoD Security Cleared - Essential or able to attain as a minimum.
• Educated to Degree Level.
• Proven track record of administering contracts to successful outcomes.
• Good understanding of procurement, contract performance measurement, risk, change and claim management.
• Experience of working within a regulated environment.
• Member or progressing to membership of an applicable profession body (RICS/CICES).
• Understanding of the UK Regulatory Framework.
• Essential experience of the Senior Commercial Manager role.
• Proven track record in large-scale projects, leading teams with a "can do" attitude, preferably in defence, nuclear or similar regulated sector.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts and contract management software (CEMAR).
• Experience in facilitating client audit of Defined Cost and providing record / cost verification.
• Ability to make decisions within delegated authority and prioritise team workload.
• Experience in working in a joint ventures/alliance environment is desirable.
• Collaborative behaviours: Assessing and engaging with the supply chain based on collaborative behaviours.

Manage the Contract Life Cycle

Manage the contract life cycle from award to close out ensuring deliverables are per contract, change control and payments certified comply with contractual notification requirements. Ensure correct contract administration to minimise contractual exposure and achieve stated aims.

Understand performance and commercially control

Integrate and compile monthly contract cost reports to ensure the client fully understands the current and forecast financial position. With the project manager, undertake cost reviews, identify and mitigate risks and instigate corrective actions to ensure delivery within overall budget constraints.

Mitigate Risks (Deliver Opportunities)

Ensure project / contract risks are fully costed and time phased with supporting mitigation plans in place and actioned. Ensure project contingency provisions are supported by detailed cost projections and risk / opportunity is understood by the driver to focus project ownership and mitigation.

Control Change

Operate the project change control process so that all project change is understood, implications fully evaluated, and cost, time and risk implications are recorded and authorised.

Cost Transparency

• Lead and support suppliers in the implementation and compliance with cost control requirements and audits, to maintain transparency and integrity of cost data, and minimise the risk of inaccurate cost data being invoiced by suppliers.
• Learn, Apply and Improve: Review performance (Project / Contract / Supplier) and identify areas to improve working efficiently.
• Use best practice information from a range of sources to be an informed client representative and trusted adviser focused on driving value and proactively mitigating risks.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

Looking for a place where you can engineer a better future? AtkinsRéalis is for you. Our digital-enabled approach transforms outcomes for people and the environment. You'll have a myriad of projects to choose from and endless possibilities for career growth. More responsibility, acclaimed training programmes and flexible working are part of our inclusive culture prioritising diversity, health, and happiness.

Join our Project & Programme Services team and expand your career on industry-leading construction projects—from Sizewell C to the world's tallest hotel, Heathrow Airport to Europe's first eco-friendly mosque. You'll gain exposure to international expertise and innovation in local niche areas. We are committed to Net Zero Carbon and regenerating cities across the UK.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will depend on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If required, the vetting process is delivered by UKSV and may require candidates to provide proof of UK residency of 5 years or longer. Do not reference current or previous security clearance in conversation or in your application.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We support family-friendly policies, flexible working and employee networks.

#LI-UK #LI-ATKINS #PPSProContr

Worker Type: Employee

Job Type: Regular

AtkinsRéalis seeks to hire diverse individuals and perspectives and believes world-class talent comes from varied backgrounds.