Senior Commercial Manager – Construction

Full-time Salary: £64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Division: UKFE - Commercial

Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire

Department: UKFE - Commercial and Supply Chain

Company Description: The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of up to £7,000 for candidates who possess CIPS/MCIPS certifications. This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

The Role: As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key commercial leader within one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), driving the procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial strategy for complex capital works, enabling industry partnerships and ensuring the successful delivery of this world‑first engineering and construction project.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts.
• Ensure all contract terms reflect best practice within the construction industry.
• Drive a collaborative, alliance‑based approach to contract management.
• Provide construction‑focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle for construction packages.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance.
• Lead the resolution of contractual issues.
• Maintain full compliance with commercial, legal, health & safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Lead and develop a cross‑functional commercial team supporting construction delivery.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models.
• Promote a collaborative, high‑performance culture across teams.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex construction commercial matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the principal point of contact for all contract‑related matters.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, construction management and commercial teams.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on NEC procedures.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador for UKFE.

Qualifications:

• Significant experience managing contracts on major construction, civil engineering or infrastructure programmes.
• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in senior contract management roles.
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts and commercial frameworks.
• Experience leading small to medium commercial teams.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long‑term collaborative partnerships.
• Adaptability to work in a fast‑paced, evolving programme environment.
• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia contracts.
• Public sector experience, including working within government procurement regulations.
• Experience leading commercial transformation or process improvement initiatives.

Additional Information: We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis. This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.