Senior Commercial Manager

Webrecruit; Retford; Hybrid; GBP 62,212 - 84,169; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £73,190 p.a.

Pension scheme (defined benefit)

Corporate bonus up to 7%

Relocation allowance (if eligible)

Flexible working options

EAP & Mental Health First Aiders

Generous leave 25 days +

Career development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Job summary

UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE) seeks a Senior Commercial Manager at West Burton Power Station, Retford, with hybrid working. You will lead high‑value contracts, ensure compliance, and manage commercial risk across integrated project teams.

The role requires strategic negotiation, cross-functional leadership, and strong procurement expertise. You will develop and maintain contract tracking, deliver milestones on time and within budget, and act as the primary commercial contact within your project

Qualifications

• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent) is required.
• Proven experience in senior contract management in engineering or large infrastructure projects.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy and management of high-value contracts.
• Oversee complex engineering, supply and service agreements from negotiation through delivery.
• Lead and develop a cross-functional commercial team and mentor colleagues.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Education

MCIPS or RICS qualification

Tools

NEC contracts

Procurement strategies

Commercial frameworks

Job description

Senior Commercial Manager

West Burton Power Station, Retford, Nottinghamshire (with hybrid working)

About Us

UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), has been established by the UK Government to lead the delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) prototype fusion power plant. Working alongside industry partners, UKFE is building the capability, supply chain, and expertise needed to turn world‑leading fusion research into a practical, low‑carbon energy solution for the future.

Our mission is to accelerate the development of commercial fusion energy and help transform the way the world is powered. By delivering the UK's first prototype fusion plant and fostering innovation across the sector, we aim to support the transition to secure, sustainable energy while creating lasting economic opportunities.

The Rewards

• Salary of £73,190 per annum
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options, including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

Your Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will lead the commercial strategy and management of high‑value contracts, ensuring they support the successful delivery of one of the world's most ambitious fusion energy programmes. Working at the heart of an Integrated Project Team, you will oversee complex engineering, supply and service agreements from negotiation through to delivery. You will ensure commercial, legal and regulatory compliance while building productive relationships with Whole Plant Partners and proactively managing commercial risk.

You will lead and develop a cross‑functional commercial team, driving a collaborative, high‑performance culture while working closely with technical, legal and sourcing colleagues to deliver successful commercial outcomes and continuously improve commercial processes. Supporting the wider team, you’ll mentor colleagues, share commercial best practice and keep abreast of developments across the fusion sector to strengthen commercial strategy.

Additionally, you will:

• Lead the resolution of contractual issues and disputes
• Develop and maintain contract tracking, reporting and performance monitoring systems
• Ensure contractual milestones and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget
• Act as the primary commercial contact for contract‑related matters within your Integrated Project Team
• Champion UKFE's values across supplier relationships, partnerships and negotiations

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 engineering or major infrastructure projects
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks
• Experience leading small to medium‑size commercial teams and delivering strategic outcomes
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to work in a highly regulated environment, ensuring strict compliance
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience working cross‑functionally
• A strategic mindset with a focus on long‑term collaborative partnerships
• Adaptability to work in a fast‑paced, evolving programme

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.

Equal Opportunities

Webrecruit and UK Fusion Energy 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.