Principal Commercial Manager in Milton Keynes

Overview

AWE is seeking a Principal Commercial Manager to lead commercial activities on large, complex infrastructure contracts for the Commercial team. The role is based in Reading and offers a flexible working pattern and competitive package.

Role Summary

As the client‑side commercial authority, you will provide leadership and governance across the contract lifecycle, manage risk, and mentor a commercial management team. You will work alongside procurement colleagues and senior stakeholders to deliver value for money and business outcomes.

• Location: Reading – free onsite parking.
• Package: £63,270 to £95,000 (commensurate with skills and experience).
• Working pattern: 9‑day working fortnight with flexible arrangements available.

Responsibilities

• Act as Client Commercial Manager for large, complex infrastructure contracts, ensuring value for money and objective achievement.
• Provide commercial management leadership, ensuring risk, change and performance are managed effectively and proportionately.
• Lead a team that manages supplier payments and analyses contract and subcontract agreements.
• Set and maintain contract governance, reporting, assurance and standards aligned to organisational objectives.
• Engage with Tier1 suppliers, managing complex issues and disputes.
• Influence senior internal stakeholders, bringing clarity to complex commercial decisions.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex contractual arrangements.
• Support wider business through shared learning for continuous improvement.
• Assist in future business planning of capital spend.

Success Criteria

• Make effective decisions and exercise strong commercial judgement in complex, uncertain and high‑risk situations.
• Balance assurance, risk and pace to support delivery rather than defaulting to process.
• Take ownership of decisions and be comfortable being accountable for outcomes.
• Understand how individual contracts contribute to wider programme and organisational objectives.
• Anticipate future risks and issues rather than reacting when they crystallise.
• Think strategically about contract structure, incentives and behaviours, not just compliance.
• Communicate and influence senior stakeholders and suppliers with credibility and confidence.
• Handle challenge, disagreement and dispute constructively and professionally.
• Set clear expectations and standards for commercial management practice.
• Develop others through coaching, mentoring and role modelling good judgement.
• Create a culture of trust, accountability and continuous improvement.

Experience Required

• Managing large, complex infrastructure or engineering contracts through delivery.
• Acting as the client‑side commercial lead in regulated or safety‑critical environments.
• Managing contractual change, performance, risk and disputes.
• Working with senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
• Leading and developing people in matrix or multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Pricing arrangements and commercial models such as target cost incentive fee, earned value management.
• Supporting the development of tender packages and drafting and reviewing contract scope.
• Experience of NEC contracts or similar, but transferable experience and sound judgement are essential.

Qualifications & Memberships

• 10years of relevant commercial management experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in commercial management, quantity surveying, economics, business, law or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Membership of RICS, CICES or a comparable professional body is desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary (£63,270–£95,000).
• 9‑day working fortnight (every other Friday off) and 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (9–13% pensionable pay).
• Family‑friendly policies: 39weeks full‑pay maternity leave, 4weeks full‑pay paternity leave.
• Professional career development funding and support for professional membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services.
• Life assurance (four times annual salary).
• Discounts on everyday spending.
• Special leave policy (volunteering, public service and caring).
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days on‑site or in the office per week).

Application & Eligibility

All candidates must be British citizens and have been resident in the UK for the required period to obtain SC clearance (5years) and DV clearance (10years). AWE will fund the necessary security clearance. Adjustments or accommodations can be requested during the application and interview process.

EEO Statement

We actively encourage applications from people with diverse professional backgrounds and career paths. We are an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award Employer and welcome veterans, reservists and service leavers. All applicants are considered without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.