Commercial Specialist

Commercial Specialist

Whitehaven Full-Time 39688 - 49632 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Commercial Specialist, supporting procurement and contract management for fusion energy projects.
  • Company: UKAEA is pioneering fusion energy to create a cleaner, carbon-free future for our planet.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a great pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while working in an inclusive and innovative culture.
  • Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 diploma required; experience in public sector procurement is a plus.
  • Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, especially women and underrepresented groups in STEM.

The predicted salary is between 39688 - 49632 £ per year.

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow\’s power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

  • Outstandingdefined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
  • Corporatebonus schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
  • Flexible working optionsincluding family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
  • Employee Assistance Programmeand trained Mental Health First Aiders.
  • Generous annual leaveallowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
  • Wide range ofcareer development opportunities.
  • A vibrantculturecommitted to equality and being fullyinclusive.

Job Description

The salary for this role is £44,610 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance, MCIPS required) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. Onsite working is expected for 3 days a week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

Please note, there arethreevacancies available as part of this advert. Two of the roles will be based at ourCulham, Oxfordshiresite, and one will be based at our Whitehaven, Cumbria site.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS),including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. AsCommercial Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in providing a commercial procurement service to a variety of UKAEA customers and provide commercial support to the Fusion Futures Industry Capability Programme. You will support the contract management process and Contract Project Managers (CPM) with procurements from market engagement to contract completion, providing commercial support to contract project managers and other commercial roles within the team. In addition, you will also provideleadership and management on the tender process and assessment panels, debriefing supply chain and other procurement professionals on the tender process and how we can comply to continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Monitor and maintain procurement databases, organise training within the procurement team on the E-Tendering portal and provide support with any ongoing issues.
  • Provide advice to Project Managers on contractual strategies
  • Contribute to problem solving and decision making.
  • Lead the contract management process and contract project manager CPM rom tender through to closure on projects up to £1m of all complexities. This will include evaluation of bids, ensuring that value for money is always obtained, negotiation of appropriate commercial agreements, resolving claims and disputes.
  • Manage/lead in giving advice, coaching/delivery of training on commercial matters across the team
  • Contribute to the evolution of the Authority’s commercial terms and conditions, policies and working practices.
  • Manage own development towards building knowledge and skills and be open to advice on how methods could be improved
  • Manage the development and design of simple systems/processes to support procurement delivery, using own initiative. Carry out routine analysis. Validate data input by others.
  • Work independently in accordance with UKAEA Procurement processes and procedures.
  • Lead and provide guidance in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, such as clarification of scope or market engagement events with suppliers or meeting with internal stakeholders to understand their needs or update them on progress.
  • Provide mentoring and support to Procurement Apprentices and Graduates

Qualifications

Essential:

  • CIPS Level 4 diploma, or currently/committed to workingtowards MCIPS
  • Experience of working in Public Sector procurement
  • Understanding of how Public Procurement Regulations apply to the organisations, withan understanding of the new Procurement Act (Feb\’25)
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills for interacting with people at all levels
  • Team player with the ability to deputise for more senior colleagues
  • Ability to adaptto various situations with experience of a variety of procurement categories with excellent attention to detail
  • Confident in using commercial information to support decision-making, achieve value for money, and create savings across the organisation
  • Experience in negotiations and understanding of the NEC Model form contracts
  • Ability to manage and lead tender discussions and assessment panels
  • Use of e-procurement portals and electronic contract management systems and be able to provide training and going support to the procurement team

Desirable:

  • Willingness to take on management responsibilities and support Commercial Procurement Graduates.

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found herehttps://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/.

UKAEA\’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under-represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from BlackBritishCaribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our \’Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion\’ (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicantsIf your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.

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Commercial Specialist employer: Futureshaper.com

UKAEA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a defined benefit pension scheme, flexible working options, and a commitment to equality, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the groundbreaking field of fusion energy. Located in the picturesque settings of Culham and Whitehaven, UKAEA provides a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to shaping the future of clean energy.
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Contact Detail:

Futureshaper.com Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in fusion energy and public sector procurement. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the energy sector, especially those involved in procurement. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences at UKAEA.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with e-procurement portals and contract management systems. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these tools to improve procurement processes in your previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've mentored or trained others in procurement practices. Highlighting your ability to lead discussions and support team members will set you apart as a candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Specialist

CIPS Level 4 diploma or MCIPS
Public Sector Procurement Experience
Understanding of Public Procurement Regulations
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills for Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership and Mentoring
Negotiation Skills
Experience with NEC Model Contracts
Proficiency in E-Procurement Portals
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Manage Tender Processes
Data Analysis and Validation
Adaptability to Various Procurement Categories
Training and Coaching Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Commercial Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience in public sector procurement, contract management, and negotiation skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your CIPS Level 4 diploma or your commitment to achieving MCIPS. Discuss your excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role at UKAEA. Mention their core values—Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative—and explain how you embody these values in your professional life.

How to prepare for a job interview at Futureshaper.com

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Commercial Specialist. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, contract management, and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in public sector procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed contracts, negotiated agreements, or contributed to continuous improvement in procurement processes.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership Skills

As the role involves mentoring and supporting others, be prepared to discuss your teamwork and leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues or led a team to achieve a common goal, especially in a procurement context.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's future projects in fusion energy, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in the Commercial Specialist role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

Commercial Specialist
Futureshaper.com
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  • Commercial Specialist

    Whitehaven
    Full-Time
    39688 - 49632 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-17

  • F

    Futureshaper.com

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