At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management for major infrastructure projects, shaping the UK's energy future.
- Company: Join a leading firm driving critical HVDC infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national energy security and accelerate the transition to Net Zero.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of contracting frameworks and experience in commercial risk management.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 € per year.
We're looking for a Contracts & Commercial Manager to help deliver some of the UK's most critical HVDC infrastructure projects, enabling clean, homegrown energy to move where it's needed most. This is your opportunity to influence projects of national importance - strengthening energy security and accelerating the transition to Net Zero. In this role, you won't just manage contracts - you'll shape how major infrastructure is delivered. You'll manage a team, taking ownership of complex, high-value contracts - driving strategy, managing regulatory interfaces, and partnering with delivery teams to optimise cost, risk, and value. Your decisions will shape outcomes from early development through to construction on projects that power millions.
At the heart of this role is Sea Link - a transformative 2GW HVDC link connecting Kent and Suffolk via a primarily offshore route. As more renewable energy is generated across the UK, existing infrastructure is under increasing pressure. Sea Link will unlock vital network capacity, support offshore wind integration, and play a key role in the largest upgrade of Britain's electricity network in generations. This is infrastructure at scale - complex, visible, and critical to the UK's energy future. This role is primarily based from our London project office, with regular site presence in Kent and Suffolk as construction progresses. We offer hybrid working, with typically 2-3 days per week on site or in the office, giving you flexibility while staying connected to delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end contract and commercial management across major infrastructure projects
- Develop and implement fit-for-purpose contracting strategies
- Drive commercial governance, cost control and value protection throughout the project lifecycle
- Identify and manage commercial risks, ensuring cost positions reflect true exposure
- Support regulatory engagement, including robust cost submissions and market testing
- Partner with procurement to deliver optimal commercial outcomes across price and contractual terms
- Oversee the transition from pre-contract into delivery, ensuring contractual clarity for project teams
- Monitor contractor performance, earned value, and delivery milestones
- Proactively manage risk, issues and disputes, working collaboratively to unlock value
- Manage, inspire and develop a high-performing, inclusive commercial team, embedding a strong safety culture and 'Safe to Say' environment
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of contracting frameworks (NEC, FIDIC and bespoke forms)
- Experience across EPC/turnkey, target cost and reimbursable contract models
- Proven capability in commercial risk management across the full project lifecycle
- Expertise in negotiation, cost modelling, reporting, and cost assurance
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, including regulatory, legal and delivery teams
- A collaborative approach - comfortable challenging and being challenged to drive better outcomes
- Experience in HVDC, cables, converters or major civils programmes (desirable)
- A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel
Benefits
- A competitive salary between £65,000 - £80,000 - dependent on capability.
- An annual performance bonus of up to 30% of your eligible earnings in the performance year.
- 28 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
- The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
- A generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.
- Access to flexible benefits such as healthcare, a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
- Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
- Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.
Contracts and Commercial Manager employer: National Grid
Join a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of the UK's energy transition, where your role as a Contracts & Commercial Manager will not only influence major infrastructure projects but also contribute to national energy security. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, you will thrive in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, performance bonuses, and support for professional growth, all while working on transformative projects like the Sea Link HVDC connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts and Commercial Manager
✨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
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with contracting frameworks and commercial risk management. Share specific examples of how you've driven value in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to discuss how you handle disputes and manage risks. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in our projects. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in a Contracts & Commercial Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts and Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts & Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with contracting frameworks and commercial risk management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing high-value contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about the energy sector and how you can contribute to projects like Sea Link. Be sure to mention your collaborative approach and any relevant experience in HVDC or major civils programmes.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've driven value and managed risks in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the UK's energy future!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contracting frameworks like NEC and FIDIC. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in managing complex contracts. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in commercial risk management and cost control. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully navigated challenges or optimised value. This will demonstrate your ability to drive strategy and protect costs throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Contracts and Commercial Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to share your approach to inspiring and developing high-performing teams. Discuss how you foster a collaborative environment and handle disputes, as this will reflect your capability to manage people and projects effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Sea Link project and its significance in the UK's energy landscape. Being able to articulate how your role contributes to national energy security and the transition to Net Zero will show your passion for the industry and your understanding of the project's impact.
