At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional teams to align commercial strategies with site goals and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join NRS Dounreay, a leader in the nuclear sector, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping commercial strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with strong commercial acumen and leadership skills.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid model with a focus on collaboration and high-performance culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
NRS Dounreay are looking for a Commercial Business Partner to join them on an ongoing contract basis.
Appointment type: 12 month ongoing contract
Full time/part time: Full time Mon - Fri
Location: Dounreay, Thurso/Hybrid
Pay band: Leadership
Closing Date: 17/02/2026
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Commercial Business Partner to join our leadership team at Dounreay. This pivotal role acts as the commercial interface between site leadership, central commercial functions, and wider programme delivery teams.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead a cross‑functional team of procurement, commercial, contract management and QS professionals
- Align Dounreay's operational strategies with NRS's commercial goals
- Champion integration of category strategies into site operations
- Influence strategic planning through expert commercial insights and risk analysis
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Dounreay, Solo Sites, AGR & Paired Sites, and central functions
- Promote commercial excellence and capability development across the business
- Drive two‑way alignment: embedding category strategies into site operations while ensuring site‑level insights inform commercial and P3M priorities
As the strategic interface between the Dounreay Managing Director, site leadership, central commercial functions, and P3M (Portfolio, Programme, and Project Management), you will ensure seamless integration of the commercial operating model into Dounreay. You will lead a large cross‑functional team and work closely with the Commercial Portfolio Manager to manage workload and efficiency. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain Delivery, you’ll partner with the Dounreay Managing Director and Programme Delivery Directors. Due to the nature of the role, a minimum of 75% of your time will be spent on‑site at Dounreay (a relocation allowance may be available).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead business partnering to align commercial initiatives with site goals
- Act as liaison between Dounreay leadership, category managers, and other Commercial Business Partners
- Provide expert commercial advice using market trends and procurement best practices
- Drive adoption of category strategies and ensure alignment with site performance
- Influence strategic planning with commercial insights and risk analysis
- Shape commercial strategies to reflect site realities and enhance execution
- Oversee sourcing and contract management strategies for cost efficiency and compliance
- Ensure commercial feasibility of site strategies and identify risks and opportunities
- Embed category strategies into daily operations and performance frameworks
- Address misalignment between operations and commercial strategies
- Support change initiatives and stakeholder engagement
- Prioritise commercial initiatives to optimise resource allocation
- Promote best‑in‑class commercial processes and behaviours
- Build commercial capability through mentoring and training
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture
- Manage commercial risks including supplier performance and market fluctuations
- Perform the responsibilities of Authorisations relevant to post, including appointment to an Emergency Arrangements
Aptitudes and Experience
- National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6 / SCQF level 9/10. e.g. Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent
- Appropriate professional qualification
- Training or Certificate in coaching, leadership development, or similar fields
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience of working with, managing and influencing senior stakeholders
- Experience of providing advice to senior stakeholders in complex operating environments
- Experience of driving cross‑functional collaboration across commercial sites, operations, finance and legal functions to deliver integrated commercial outcomes
- Proven ability to support the development and execution of commercial strategies to deliver cost savings, value creation and supplier innovation in complex supply chains
- Strong commercial acumen, with an understanding of cost modelling, total cost of ownership and supplier risk analysis
- Knowledge of supplier relationship management (SRM) practices and experience in managing high value, strategic supplier relationships to improve performance and drive continuous improvement
- Experience of leading and managing a team
- Experience of working and implementing change in a regulated environment with a clear understanding of assurance and governance expectations
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and change, maintaining focus on business priorities and stakeholder engagement during periods of transformation
- Strong knowledge and application of procurement principles and public contracting regulations
- Strong negotiation skills
- Good understanding of NEC and defined cost audits
- Experience in risk management and mitigation including commercial, legal and operational risks across large programmes or projects
- Experience of working on major infrastructure projects and an understanding of the specific challenges of cost control, risk
Commercial Business Partner employer: Morson Talent
Contact Detail:
Morson Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their commercial strategies and how you can contribute. Practice common interview questions and think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and aligning commercial strategies with operational goals, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Expertise: Use your application to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and experience in risk management. Include specific examples of how you've influenced strategic planning or driven cost savings in previous roles to really stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your relevant skills and experiences at a glance. Remember, we love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Talent
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial strategies and procurement best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced strategic planning in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the commercial landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a cross-functional team, prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects, and be ready to explain how you foster collaboration and drive performance.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research NRS Dounreay and their operational goals. Understanding their culture and how they align with commercial initiatives will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to commercial risks or stakeholder engagement. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to showcase your problem-solving abilities.