Senior Commercial Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); East Midlands; On-site; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager based in East Midlands. The role requires MCIPS or RICS qualification and involves leading complex contracts for an innovative fusion energy project, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and budget timelines. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, emphasizing professional growth and collaborative teamwork.

Benefits

Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%

25 days annual leave plus additional holiday benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior contract management, ideally in construction or major infrastructure.
• Experience leading small to medium-sized commercial teams.
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of complex contracts.
• Draft, negotiate, and execute contracts ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Develop and mentor a cross-functional commercial team.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

MCIPS or RICS Qualification

Tools

NEC contracts

Job description

Senior Commercial Manager

West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire

Our Organisation

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is leading the design, build, and future operation of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). Building on decades of world-leading research, UKIFS works closely with industry partners to turn the promise of fusion into a practical, sustainable energy source for the future.

Our mission is to bring together the expertise needed to deliver commercial fusion energy, developing cost-effective fusion plants that will transform global energy production. With a strong commitment to innovation, diversity, and collaboration, we are creating a world-class workforce to solve one of the planet’s toughest challenges — and shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We are now looking for a Senior Commercial Manager to join us on a full-time, permanent basis.

The Benefits

- Salary: £74,592 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance, MCIPS required) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- A wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive

This is a unique opportunity for a MCIPS or RICS qualified contract management professional with a great leadership style and public sector knowledge to join our pioneering organisation.

You will have the chance to impact a high innovative and exciting UK programme that is designed to have significant global impact through the realisation of fusion energy.

What’s more, you’ll be enabled to grow and develop professionally, showcasing your leadership skills and enhancing your commercial expertise.

The Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will lead the development and management of complex contracts within a high-profile engineering project.

Specifically, you will draft, negotiate, and execute complex contracts, from supply and construction to service agreements, ensuring alignment with programme goals, regulatory standards, and budgetary timelines.

Providing expert risk assessment and mitigation strategies for contractual obligations, you will maintain robust tracking systems to monitor performance.

Additionally, you will:

- Lead dispute resolution, liaising with legal, technical, and sourcing teams
- Develop and mentor a cross-functional commercial team
- Maintain strong supplier relationships and contract compliance
- Act as a main point of contact for contract-related matters

About You

To be considered as a Senior Commercial Manager, you will need:

- MCIPS or RICS Qualification (or equivalent)
- Proven experience in senior contract management, ideally in construction, engineering, or major infrastructure projects
- Experience leading small to medium-sized commercial teams
- Strong knowledge of NEC contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong leadership and communication capabilities
- A strategic, collaborative mindset and a commitment to long-term partnerships

Please note, this role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data

Other organisations may call this role Contracts Manager, Procurement Manager, Head of Contracts, Commercial Lead, or Commercial Strategy Manager.

Webrecruit, UKAEA and UKIFS are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

So, if you want to join UKIFS as a Senior Commercial Manager, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.