At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for innovative fusion energy programmes and manage high-value procurement.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean energy and fusion technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: CIPS Chartered status and extensive experience in public sector procurement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Senior Commercial Lead
- Overview of Responsibilities
Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating cleaner, carbon‑free energy.
UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground‑breaking advancements.
Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the job
The Senior Commercial Lead will provide strategic commercial leadership for UKAEA’s Robotics, Repurposing and Decommissioning Directorate, supporting major programmes including RACE, RAICo and JET Decommissioning.
Managing procurement activity across a portfolio exceeding £100million annually, you’ll shape commercial strategy, strengthen supplier capability and enable innovative solutions that support the future of fusion energy.
This is an opportunity to influence high‑value programmes while working with senior leaders across government, industry and research.
- What You’ll be Doing
- Develop and lead the commercial strategy for UKAEA’s Robotics, Repurposing and Decommissioning programmes.
- Deliver strategic procurement across a portfolio exceeding £100million annually, ensuring value for money and regulatory compliance.
- Design innovative sourcing approaches that strengthen supplier capability and support future fusion programmes.
- Lead commercial governance, assurance and risk management across major programmes and procurements.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, industry, research organisations and key suppliers.
- Analyse markets and emerging supplier capability to inform long‑term commercial strategy and future programme delivery.
- Provide expert commercial advice to senior leaders on complex procurement and contractual matters.
- Ensure compliance with the Public Procurement Regulations 2023 and wider public sector commercial requirements.
- Lead, develop and mentor a high‑performing commercial team, building capability and professional excellence.
- Drive continuous improvement of commercial policies, processes and category strategies across the Directorate.
- What You’ll Bring
- CIPS Chartered status and degree‑level qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Extensive experience leading complex, high‑value public sector procurement and commercial programmes.
- Strong knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations and Public Procurement Regulations 2023.
- Demonstrable experience developing commercial strategy, governance and risk management for major programmes.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders across government, industry and research organisations.
- Proven leadership experience developing high‑performing commercial teams.
UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3–5 days in any given week) in line with business needs.
We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.
Benefits
- A salary of £80,090 (inclusive of a £7K specialist allowance).
- Up to 7% corporate performance bonus.
- Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays.
- 3 days of site closure over Christmas break.
- Flexible working options plus family‑friendly leave provisions.
- Our Commitment to ED&I
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal.
We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.
Please email if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.
We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here.
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Senior Commercial Lead in Abingdon employer: Fusion Energy Base
At Fusion Energy Base, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of energy in the UK. Located at the forefront of fusion technology, we provide a competitive salary package and a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of advanced materials and manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Lead in Abingdon
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Fusion Energy Base.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fusion Energy Base:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Fusion Energy Base. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Fusion Energy Base.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fusion Energy Base
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Fusion Energy Base!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Fusion Energy Base. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Fusion Energy Base's culture.
