Commercial Manager in Retford

About UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) UKFE is a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) focused on delivering fusion energy by developing the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant. The project aims for first operations around 2040 and involves establishing a supply chain, engaging industry partners and delivering the STEP prototype.

Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Salary: £51,317 (additional £5,800 if MCIPS is held). Onsite working required 3 days a week.

• Pre‑Contract & Procurement – Support drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex contracts; collaborate with technical, legal and sourcing teams; assess risks and develop mitigation strategies; develop and implement performance metrics; lead procurement delivery in a regulated environment.
• Cost Management & Commercial Control – Lead cost forecasting, budgetary control and cost assurance; manage cost plans, target costs, forecasts, cashflows and earned value metrics; provide advice on commercial impacts of design changes; oversee cost management in line with budgets and governance thresholds.
• Measurement, Valuation & Change Control – Manage change on contracts, ensuring proper instruction, valuation, negotiation and recording in line with contractual mechanisms (e.g., NEC); support final account negotiations; ensure contractor submissions deliver value for money and are compliant.
• Contract Support – Guide direct reports on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation and commercial models; lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages; ensure contract administration meets governance and regulatory requirements.
• Risk, Claims & Dispute Management – Provide guidance and leadership on cost and commercial risk mitigation; lead dispute avoidance and early intervention; support formal dispute resolution processes; assist senior managers with complex disputes.
• Reporting, Governance & Assurance – Produce high‑quality cost and commercial reporting; maintain accurate records; support audits and commercial assurance; drive continuous improvement in cost management processes.
• Stakeholder Management & Leadership – Build trusted relationships across the Commercial team, project managers, finance and senior stakeholders; represent the organisation as the lead cost and commercial authority; mentor and supervise direct reports.
• Leadership Mindset – Embed professional integrity, ethical behaviour and organisational values; promote a positive, inclusive team culture; act as a cultural ambassador and make informed, collaborative decisions.

• Essential Skills & Experience – Significant experience in commercial and/or procurement on construction, infrastructure or engineering projects; proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle; strong understanding of standard contract forms (e.g., NEC, bespoke construction contracts); expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control and final accounts; excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Desirable Experience – Experience in highly regulated or public‑sector environments; experience supporting or managing quantity surveying or procurement staff; familiarity with governance, assurance and delegated authority frameworks.

Additional Information Applicants require completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and DBS checks; SC clearance may be required in the future. UKFE is committed to accessibility; applications from under‑represented groups, individuals with disabilities and non‑UK residents are encouraged. For security clearance and immigration questions, contact the hiring team directly.

UKFE welcomes applications from under‑represented groups, including women in STEM, ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities. The Senior Leadership team, supported by the EDI partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes diversity and removes barriers to success.