Reference: 4831138Job ID: 5416259Posted: 2026-10-13Closing date: 2027-01-10Location: GainsboroughSalary: 73,190 + 7,000 MCIPS/MRICS allowance + DB pension scheme (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Energy, Utilities & Mining / ProcurementCompany: HaysConsultant: Will TaylorHays office: Sheffield — Floor 2, Fountain Precinct, Balm GreenPhone: Email: Commercial Manager – Procurement, Contracts & Commercial StrategyUK Fusion Energy (UKFE) | STEP Programme | West Burton, NottinghamshireLead the commercial function behind one of the world's most ambitious engineering and technology programmes. Fusion energy has the potential to transform how the world is powered.
If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.
Through the STEP Programme, UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) is bringing together leading scientists, engineers and commercial professionals to help deliver the world's first prototype fusion power plant.
As UKFE continues to grow, Senior Commercial Managers will play a critical leadership role in developing the commercial strategy, procurement approach and supplier partnerships that will support the successful delivery of this pioneering programme.
This is a rare opportunity to join at a formative stage, build and lead commercial teams, influence major strategic decisions and help establish the commercial foundations of an organisation at the forefront of scientific and engineering innovation.
The RoleAs a Senior Commercial Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of highly complex engineering programmes, leading commercial activity through procurement, contract management, supplier engagement and commercial governance.
Working within UKFE's Engineering Function, this role is focused on supporting highly technical programmes rather than traditional construction delivery.
You'll work alongside programme leaders, engineers, technical specialists and procurement professionals to ensure commercial arrangements support programme objectives, manage risk effectively and deliver long-term value.
You will lead teams of Programme Commercial Managers and Commercial Managers, helping develop commercial capability while providing oversight of strategic supplier relationships, sourcing decisions and complex commercial arrangements.
This is a highly visible leadership position requiring the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders, influence key decisions and provide commercial direction across multiple work streams.
Key Areas of ResponsibilityLeading commercial strategy across major engineering and technology programmesManaging and developing teams of Programme Commercial Managers and Commercial ManagersProviding leadership on procurement strategy and sourcing decisionsOverseeing complex supplier and contract portfoliosSupporting strategic supplier relationship managementLeading commercial negotiations and high-value contract discussionsProviding governance, commercial assurance and risk oversightDriving value-for-money decision-making across programmesSupporting long-term supply chain and supplier development strategiesPartnering with engineering, programme and technical leadership teamsAdvising senior stakeholders on commercial risk, opportunity and strategic decision-makingBuilding commercial capability within a growing organisationAbout YouWe're looking for a commercially astute leader who combines strong procurement expertise with outstanding contract management and stakeholder engagement skills. You may currently be operating as a Senior Commercial Manager, Senior Procurement Manager, Commercial Lead, Head of Procurement, Category Lead or similar within a highly technical environment. Most importantly, you'll be comfortable leading teams, influencing senior stakeholders and operating within complex engineering, scientific or innovation-led programmes.
You'll Ideally Bring: Significant experience in senior commercial, procurement or contract management positionsStrong leadership experience with responsibility for developing and managing commercial teamsProven experience developing procurement strategies and commercial approachesExpertise in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcingStrong contract management and commercial negotiation capabilityExperience assessing and mitigating commercial and supply chain risksStrong governance, assurance and value-for-money experienceExcellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skillsExperience working within complex technical or engineering environmentsDegree-level qualification or equivalent professional experienceMCIPS qualification, or progress towards professional accreditation, would be highly advantageousParticularly Relevant BackgroundsWe are especially interested in individuals from: Engineering and advanced manufacturingAerospaceDefenceResearch and development organisationsScientific institutionsEnergy and technology businessesInnovation-led programmesPrototype or first-of-a-kind project environmentsHighly regulated procurement environmentsExperience operating within technical organisations where procurement strategy, supplier management and contract management are central to programme success will be highly valued.
Why Join
UKFE?There are very few opportunities where your work can genuinely influence the future of global energy.
At UKFE, you'll join an organisation at a critical stage of its growth, helping build the commercial capability, supplier networks and procurement strategies required to deliver one of the UK's most significant long-term engineering programmes.
You'll work alongside some of the country's leading engineers, scientists and programme professionals while leading teams responsible for navigating complex commercial challenges in an environment where innovation, collaboration and strategic thinking are essential.
This is an opportunity to build something from the ground up, shape how the commercial function evolves and contribute to a programme with the potential to redefine energy generation for future generations. xrnqpay Package73,190 basic salaryAdditional 7,000 allowance for MCIPS-qualified professionalsCorporate bonus schemeOutstanding defined benefit pensionHybrid working arrangementMinimum three days per week on site during the initial onboarding period, with greater flexibility thereafterExcellent long-term career development opportunitiesOpportunity to help shape one of the UK's most important engineering and innovation programmesApplyIf you're looking for a senior commercial leadership role where you can shape procurement strategy, lead high-performing commercial teams and support the delivery of a world-changing engineering programme, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Will Taylor at Hays in Lincoln for a confidential discussion.
#4831138
- Will Taylor
Senior Commercial Manager in Stourbridge employer: Hays
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