Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

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UKIFS at the UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager for construction and infrastructure within the STEP programme, to drive procurement, contract management and alliance based delivery for major capital works and help shape the commercial strategy for this world first endeavour. Essential skills include MCIPS or RICS, NEC contract expertise, proven senior contract management in large infrastructure, plus strong negotiation, stakeholder engagement and leadership in a regulated environment. The role is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire with onsite presence three days a week, offering a competitive salary of £62,858, an outstanding pension, relocation support if eligible and flexible working options. To stand out, tailor your CV to reflect contract strategy, lifecycle management, risk mitigation and collaboration with partners, and highlight MMC or modern delivery models; apply early as adverts close after about four weeks and contact [email protected] for accessibility or adjustments.

Company Description

Company Description: 

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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. UKIFS 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 UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions 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. 

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from: 

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert. 
• 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 with 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 

 A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/  

We offer a competitive salary which includes excellent benefits and outstanding pension.  The salary for this role is £62,858. 

This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

Job Description

The Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key commercial leader within one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), driving the procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial strategy for complex capital works, enabling industry partnerships and ensuring the successful delivery of this world-first engineering and construction project.

Contract Strategy & Delivery

• Lead the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and delivery milestones.
• Ensure all contract terms reflect best practice within the construction industry, meeting regulatory, safety and quality standards typical of major capital projects.
• Drive a collaborative, alliance‑based approach to contract management with Whole Plant Partners and major Tier 1 contractors, fostering strong relationships that support safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery.
• Provide construction‑focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring commercial resilience across design, construction and commissioning phases.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle for construction packages—from procurement and mobilisation through to delivery, variations, compensation events and final account.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance, site progress, cost forecasting and contract compliance.
• Lead the resolution of contractual issues, drawing on expertise in construction law, NEC contract management and multi‑disciplinary stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain full compliance with commercial, legal, health & safety and regulatory frameworks, particularly those governing major construction and infrastructure works.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a cross-functional commercial team supporting construction delivery, including UKIFS colleagues and representatives from Whole Plant Partner organisations.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models, digital construction, modern methods of construction (MMC), and large‑scale infrastructure contracting—and embed these insights into programme strategy.
• Promote a collaborative, high‑performance culture across commercial, engineering and construction management teams to support seamless delivery.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex construction commercial matters, NEC processes and supplier performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes, supply chain performance and the effectiveness of contract governance.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers across the construction supply chain, ensuring accountability and alignment to scope, budget and schedule.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the principal point of contact for all contract‑related matters within your IPT, particularly relating to construction and infrastructure delivery.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, construction management and commercial teams to drive contract performance and resolve issues rapidly.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on NEC procedures, construction contract management and best practices in major project delivery.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador for UKIFS, ensuring our values are reflected in all supplier interactions, negotiations and construction partnerships.

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.

Qualifications

We are looking for a seasoned commercial professional with significant experience managing contracts on major construction, civil engineering or infrastructure programmes.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in senior contract management roles within construction, engineering, or major infrastructure projects.
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts, construction procurement and commercial frameworks typical of large-scale capital delivery.
• Experience leading small to medium commercial teams and driving high-impact commercial outcomes.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving abilities, particularly within construction supply chains.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment, ensuring strict compliance with safety, legal and commercial requirements.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term collaborative partnerships with contractors and delivery partners.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, evolving programme environment.

Desirable Experience:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia contracts in infrastructure or major construction programmes.
• Public sector experience, including working within government procurement regulations.
• Experience leading commercial transformation or process improvement initiatives within construction environments.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people 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 [email protected] 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.

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.  

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.  We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.