At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex customer contracts in a dynamic energy sector.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while driving value and innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in commercial management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63750 - 78750 € per year.
Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester, Warrington or other RR SMR locations
Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 dependent on experience + bonus + excellent benefits
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls‑Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.
Our Customer Commercial function sits at the heart of this journey, enabling the successful delivery of major customer contracts while supporting future growth. With multiple customer agreements secured and more in development, we are entering a critical phase of delivery and expansion.
To support this, we’re looking for a Lead Commercial Manager – Customers to play a key role in managing high-value, complex contracts and shaping our commercial capability. You’ll work closely with strategic customers and internal stakeholders to drive value, manage risk and ensure successful contract execution across major programmes.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the drafting, negotiation and management of complex customer contracts
- Ensure compliance with RR SMR commercial governance, policies and reporting requirements
- Support the development and delivery of commercial strategy aligned to programme objectives
- Manage commercial risk and drive value through effective contract management and performance oversight
- Influence and engage senior internal and external stakeholders across a matrix environment
- Contribute to the development and maturity of the Commercial function, including processes, governance and best practice
- Support and mentor junior members of the team
- Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, including deputising where required
What you’ll bring
- Significant experience in commercial or contract management (typically 10+ years)
- Strong experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts within engineering, infrastructure, energy or similar sectors
- Proven ability to operate in complex, regulated or high-risk environments and manage commercial risk
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including working at senior levels
- Experience contributing to commercial strategy and delivering value through contracts
- Ability to lead within a collaborative, matrix structure
- Experience supporting governance, processes or capability development within a Commercial function (desirable)
- Knowledge of industry contract forms such as NEC, FIDIC, JCT or similar (advantageous)
Location & Ways of Working
This role can be based from Derby, Manchester, Warrington or other RR SMR locations. We operate hybrid working, with regular weekly office attendance expected. Travel may be required depending on customer and programme needs.
What’s in it for you?
Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 depending on experience
Benefits include:
- Bonus – up to 12.5% performance-related
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 for a bespoke package
- Pension – competitive Rolls-Royce SMR scheme
- Holidays – 28 days + public holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working
You’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness and innovation, offering:
- A flexible, inclusive and supportive environment
- Opportunities for progression in a rapidly scaling business
- A culture centred on collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process
Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
- Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
Lead Commercial Manager in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
Rolls-Royce SMR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises transparency, fairness, and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for career progression within a rapidly scaling business, alongside competitive benefits such as a performance-related bonus and a flexible working model. Located in key cities like Derby, Manchester, and Warrington, employees can enjoy a collaborative culture that values diversity and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Commercial Manager in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Lead Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their commercial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can drive value and manage risks effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Commercial Manager in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex contracts and working with stakeholders, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive value and manage risk. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you've saved money or improved processes, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Lead Commercial Manager, you'll be dealing with complex contracts. Make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts relevant to the role, like NEC or FIDIC. Brush up on your negotiation strategies and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed high-value contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you navigated complex relationships to drive value and manage risks effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The company is looking for someone who can contribute to commercial strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed and implemented commercial strategies in the past. Highlight any experience you have in aligning these strategies with programme objectives to showcase your ability to think strategically.
✨Emphasise Your Team Leadership Experience
As a Lead Commercial Manager, mentoring junior team members will be part of your role. Share your experiences in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and developing processes within a commercial function. This will show that you're not just a manager but also a supportive leader who values team growth.
