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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and coordinate teams in a high-impact nuclear project.
- Company: Join a major UK nuclear programme at Dounreay, Scotland.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with competitive pay and strategic influence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial operations in a complex, regulated environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and experience in commercial strategy required.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and leadership engagement.
Dounreay, Scotland
Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.
- 12-Month Contract
- Full-Time On Site
- Inside IR35
Ceto Talent is supporting a major UK nuclear programme in the search for an experienced Lead/Commercial Business Partner to join their senior leadership environment at Dounreay. This is a high impact contract role, sitting at the centre of site leadership and commercial strategy. You’ll act as the key commercial interface between operational delivery teams and central commercial functions, ensuring that strategy and execution remain aligned in a complex, regulated setting.
The Role
You will provide strategic commercial leadership across the Dounreay site, ensuring that commercial objectives are embedded into operational delivery and long-term programme planning. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will:
- Lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team across procurement, commercial, contract management and quantity surveying
- Align site operations with overarching commercial and category strategies
- Provide commercial insight into strategic planning, including risk evaluation and market intelligence
- Ensure commercial initiatives are realistic, deliverable and grounded in operational needs
- Strengthen collaboration between site leadership, programme teams and central commercial functions
- Drive performance through effective sourcing, contract management and supplier oversight
- Embed best practice commercial governance, compliance and assurance standards
- Identify and manage commercial risks, including supplier performance and market volatility
- Support capability development and promote a strong commercial culture across the site
This role plays a critical part in ensuring that commercial strategies are practical, measurable and aligned to long-term programme objectives.
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to speak with commercially strong leaders who are confident operating in regulated, complex project environments. You’ll likely bring:
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
- Professional accreditation in a commercial or procurement-related field
- Experience advising and influencing senior leadership teams
- A background delivering commercial strategy across major infrastructure or highly regulated programmes
- Strong understanding of public procurement regulations and governance frameworks
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and defined cost audits
- Experience in cost modelling, total cost of ownership and supplier risk analysis
- A track record of managing high-value supplier relationships and improving performance
- Experience leading and developing teams
- Proven ability to drive change and maintain delivery focus in evolving environments
- Strong negotiation capability and commercial judgement
- Experience within nuclear, defence or other regulated infrastructure sectors would be highly advantageous.
Why Consider This Contract?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a visible leadership-facing commercial role on one of the UK’s most significant nuclear sites. You’ll be shaping commercial direction while working closely with senior operational and programme stakeholders. If you’re looking for a contract that offers real influence, strategic input and complex stakeholder engagement, this is worth a conversation.
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Jasmine White, Recruitment Partner – Ceto Talent
Lead Commercial Manager in Highland employer: Ceto Talent
Contact Detail:
Ceto Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Commercial Manager in Highland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the nuclear or commercial sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their commercial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong negotiation capabilities. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Commercial Manager in Highland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial strategy and leadership, especially in regulated environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage commercial risks. We love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your skills that are relevant to the role, like negotiation capabilities and understanding of public procurement regulations. We’re looking for those who can drive change and maintain focus, so make sure these come through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial strategy, especially in regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully aligned commercial objectives with operational delivery in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific situations where you influenced senior stakeholders and drove change, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with public procurement regulations and governance frameworks relevant to the nuclear sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the complexities of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement. Practice articulating your thought process when managing risks or negotiating with suppliers, as this will showcase your strategic thinking.
