Head of Commercial - UKIFS

Company Description: The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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. UKIFS 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 UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions 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 UKIFS, 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 and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• 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.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £83,421. Employees of UKIFS can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire, and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

The Role: As Head of Commercial, within the Commercial Division of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), you will lead one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), managing strategic contracts that underpin the STEP programme. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will:

• Develop and lead contract strategy.
• Oversee cost assurance and governance within the IPT.
• Establish and manage long-term strategic alliances with Whole Plant Partners, ensuring contracts drive collaboration and high-performance outcomes.
• Develop procurement strategies and implement best-in-class contract terms that ensure effective supplier performance.
• Promote alliancing principles to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Work with technology leads to align contracts with technical scope and supply chain needs.
• Enable the development of a fusion supply chain, driving industry-led technological advancements critical to programme success.
• Lead dispute resolution and contract modifications proactively, ensuring fair and strategic outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and industry-specific requirements.

Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Work with the Commercial Director to establish a world-class commercial function within UKIFS. Develop and manage a high-performing contract management team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Mentor and guide team members, equipping them with the skills and tools needed for success. Drive strategic commercial decisions that align with programme-wide objectives. Lead with integrity and professionalism, setting an example of excellence in contract management.

Drive Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the commercial function within the IPT leadership team, influencing programme direction and delivery. Work cross-functionally to align contract management with broader business and technical goals. Maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring alignment on deliverables, milestones, and accountability. Act as a cultural ambassador, reinforcing UKIFS values in all interactions with stakeholders, partners, and the supply chain.

Prepare for Industry Integration: Develop and embed commercial and procurement processes in preparation for the Whole Plant Partner contracts. Support the selection and onboarding of key industry partners. Lead in the integration and mobilisation of Whole Plant Partners within the STEP programme. Drive the ongoing evolution of commercial governance and leadership to ensure continued programme success.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.

Qualifications: We are seeking a visionary leader with a deep understanding of complex contract management, particularly in high-value, innovative engineering or infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• MCIPS or RICS Qualification (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience managing large, complex contracts, ideally in construction or engineering.
• Strong expertise in contract law, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in alliancing or collaborative contract models (e.g., NEC contracts).
• Experience leading large commercial teams and engaging cross-functional stakeholders.
• Exceptional negotiation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to operate in a highly regulated environment while managing complex compliance requirements.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of delivering best-for-programme outcomes.
• Adaptability in a fast-changing, evolving programme.

Desirable Experience:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience in developing joint ventures or consortia contracts.
• Experience in a commercial leadership role within a start-up or high-growth environment.
• Leadership in commercial transformation or organisational change initiatives.
• Public sector and private sector experience, with knowledge of regulatory frameworks.

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, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UKIFS 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, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.

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-applicants. If 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.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation. We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit our careers website.