Commercial Manager - Hydrogen

Hybrid Working between Cadent Offices/Sites & Home - Typically 1-2 days per week in office.

At the Forefront of the Hydrogen Revolution! Are you ready to lead the commercial strategy behind one of the UK’s most ambitious hydrogen infrastructure projects? We’re looking for a dynamic Commercial Manager to take the helm of the North Phase 1 East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline Front End Engineering Design (FEED). This is a pivotal role supporting our company’s energy transition strategy, where you’ll be instrumental in shaping the commercial framework that underpins a low-carbon future.

You’ll be accountable for delivering all commercial requirements outlined in the Major Projects Delivery System (MPds) for the FEED phase and the associated Development Consent Order (DCO) process. Your leadership will ensure the project is delivered on budget, demonstrates value for money to stakeholders, and is positioned for successful progression into the delivery phase. This is a high-impact role where commercial acumen meets purpose-driven innovation.

As Commercial Manager, you’ll lead and manage all key project commercial processes, drive performance through effective metrics, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, champion inclusive leadership, and develop a high-performing team aligned with project goals. If you’re passionate about clean energy and thrive in complex, fast-paced environments, we’d love to hear from you.

• Leadership of Commercial Delivery: Lead the commercial team and take full ownership of all commercial deliverables across the project. This includes overseeing contract management, ensuring compliance with internal systems, and providing strategic commercial guidance to project stakeholders.
• Contract Management & Supplier Engagement: Support procurement strategies, tender evaluations, and the drafting of contractual documentation. Manage contract administration activities such as Applications for Payment, Early Warnings, and Compensation Events. Build strong, constructive relationships with delivery partners and ensure commercial governance is upheld.
• Cost Control & Commercial Reporting: Work closely with finance to establish robust cost reporting and forecasting processes. Monitor project costs to minimise financial leakage, support decision-making with cost trend analysis, and lead the annual budget-setting and quarterly forecasting processes.
• Funding & Estimating Oversight: Manage funding mechanisms and ensure compliance with reporting obligations. Support future phase estimations and critically review consultant-produced CapEx estimates to ensure accuracy, realism, and alignment with internal benchmarks and assumptions.
• Governance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Promote adherence to company policies and procedures, support investigations into non-compliance, and drive continuous improvement through lessons learned. Ensure all commercial activities align with the Major Project Delivery System (MPds) framework.

• Educational & Professional Credentials: Degree-level education or equivalent experience is essential. A relevant professional qualification is required; RICS accreditation is desirable. Must hold a full UK driving licence.
• Contract & Commercial Expertise: In-depth knowledge and experience with NEC4 PSC contracts, particularly Option C. Strong commercial acumen with a solution-oriented mindset. Proven ability to think strategically, prioritise effectively, and deliver measurable results.
• Data & Performance Management: Skilled in structuring data and producing clear, concise management information (MI) for various audiences. Accountable for team performance and succession planning. Aligns team objectives with broader business goals and ensures team members understand their impact.
• Leadership & Innovation: Demonstrated experience in leading project initiatives focused on improvement and innovation. Ability to inspire and develop talent within the team. Proactive in driving change and embedding best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Strong communication and influencing skills across diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to build sustainable internal and external relationships. Represents the organisation with professionalism, enhancing its reputation in the industry and community.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You might be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please note that this position will close on Sunday 13th July, with interviews scheduled to commence Late-July.

Disclaimer: While the closing date is set as mentioned, we reserve the right to close the application process earlier if necessary, depending on the unique circumstances of each role.

At Cadent, we’re thrilled to be part of the future of UK energy! We have a clear roadmap to drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050. We’re making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together, we’re shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers, whom we put at the heart of everything we do.

• Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and your family available through MyChoices, our flexible benefits programme, with access to a 24 hour Bupa HealthLine.
• 25 days’ holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days.
• An Annual Performance Bonus of up to 15% of your salary.
• A generous pension scheme where the company double matches your contributions up to 12% i.e. if you contribute 6% a month, the company will contribute 12%.
• A competitive salary that’s reviewed each year against the market median salary for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
• Generous family policies and flexible benefits.
• A free Employee Assistance Line where you can get support and advice on any of the challenges you’re facing, completely confidentially.
• Support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave – so long as it’s relevant to your role.
• Plus many more benefits that help you join the dots between your work and home life!

We support a healthy work-life balance and are open to flexible working options.

Don’t meet every requirement? No problem! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification mentioned, we would still love for you to submit your application – you may just be the right person for this role or other opportunities at Cadent. We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities – Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive! (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men’s Engagement Network (M.E.N) – can’t wait to welcome you!

To be considered for this role, please submit your application with an up-to-date CV and our Talent Acquisition team will get in touch soon. To learn more about Cadent, visit our website.

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