Overview
Deputy Director – Nuclear Fuels Programme (NFP) within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), Ministry of Defence. The role is based in MOD Main Building (London) or MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol) and requires at least four days per week office attendance with additional UK and international travel. The position demands a senior commercial leader who can operate at the centre of national security, managing high‑value procurement and acquisition activity within a complex, high‑profile programme.
Responsibilities
- Own and drive the NFP industrial and commercial strategy, mobilising industry, public sector bodies and allies to deliver programme outcomes.
- Act as a senior commercial lead for key relationships with industry, allied nations and public bodies, and as a key interface between MoD and commercial partners.
- Lead the structuring and negotiation of major infrastructure and construction programmes, including bespoke and non‑traditional procurement, commercial acquisition and corporate finance solutions.
- Oversee and contract‑manage multi‑billion‑pound infrastructure and construction programmes, securing value for money and embedding secure‑by‑design principles.
- Develop the programme's commercial R&D and intellectual property strategy as part of the wider industrial approach.
- Provide clear leadership to and drive culture in the programme's commercial team, working closely with UK Government Investments' corporate finance function and contributing to the leadership of the wider DNE commercial community.
- Act as a conduit between the programme and DNE's wider industrial strategy and strategic engagement with industry.
- Serve as a member of the DNE Commercial Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Commercial Director for Fuels and Warhead.
Key Competencies
- Analyse short and long‑term commercial impacts to guide strategic decisions.
- Objectively weigh risks and benefits, consistently delivering efficient, confident outcomes on demanding timescales.
- Lead multiple complex, high‑value commercial negotiations simultaneously.
- Clearly identify and articulate key strategic commercial goals for the programme.
- Drive the delivery of these goals by ensuring buy‑in from the programme team and senior departmental stakeholders.
- Build senior‑level relationships, including with Ministers and Permanent Secretaries.
- Present with authority to diverse audiences, engaging internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactively identify commercial risks, analyse data across a range of sources and communicate mitigation strategies.
- Define the industrial and commercial strategy for the programme and galvanise industry, public bodies and allies to deliver it.
- Develop and execute industrial and commercial strategies, including non‑traditional approaches such as mergers, joint ventures and equity‑based models.
- Lead complex, high‑value commercial transactions, delivering to demanding timescales through effective interdisciplinary leadership.
- Oversee concurrent large‑scale construction and infrastructure programmes, identifying early issues and taking corrective action.
- Develop, place and manage contracts using industry best practice, including bespoke and standard forms such as NEC and JCT.
- Negotiate and secure outstanding outcomes while maintaining strong senior‑level customer and supplier relationships.
- Understand defence sector and national security considerations.
- Communicate effectively with Board, Permanent Secretary, Ministerial and C‑suite levels.
- Lead high‑performing, resilient programme teams through clear direction and defined culture.
- Operate in technically complex industries and collaborate with experts in R&D, manufacturing, safety and security regulation and environmental compliance.
Qualifications & Eligibility
- British national, with Developed Vetting (DV) clearance or willingness to obtain it.
- Additional security clearances as required for the role.
- Ability to attend the London or Bristol office at least four days per week for classified programmes.
- Willingness to travel internationally to engage with suppliers and visit industrial sites.
Benefits
The post offers significant access to commercial and professional development across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
Deputy Director in Bristol employer: CIPS
CIPS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Peterborough where you can thrive as an Assessment Operations Co-ordinator. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and access to excellent facilities including a gym. Join us to be part of a global organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
