At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the drafting and negotiation of customer agreements in a fast-growing energy sector.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while developing your commercial management skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Commercial Management or related field; experience in complex contract negotiations.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 59000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary: £53,800 – £66,465 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 team plays a key role in shaping the commercial foundations required to secure our first SMR order and future fleet deployment. We partner with strategic customers, developers, suppliers and global partners to establish robust commercial agreements, develop pricing and contracting approaches, and support long‐term commercial success of the SMR programme.
In this context, we’re looking for a Commercial Manager – Customer to lead the drafting, negotiation and management of commercially significant customer agreements. Reporting into the senior leadership team, this role will support strategic customer programmes, shape commercial strategy, and contribute to the development of a mature, scalable commercial function within a fast‐growing organisation.
Responsibilities:
- Draft, negotiate and execute a wide range of customer‐facing commercial contracts, ensuring clarity, compliance and effective risk management.
- Support commercial strategy development, including pricing models, risk allocation, contract structures and in‐contract management.
- Lead and contribute to the development and maturity of the commercial function, including governance, processes, templates and training.
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels, providing insight, guidance and foresight on commercial matters.
- Translate complex commercial and technical information into compelling, clear formats for senior stakeholders.
You’ll Bring:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in Commercial Management, Business, Law, Finance or a related field.
- Experience negotiating complex commercial contracts, ideally including NEC, FIDIC, JCT, IChemE, or bespoke forms.
- Confidence working with commercial mechanisms such as KPIs, target cost models, pain/gain, variations and milestone payments.
- Experience working in highly regulated environments or similarly complex industries.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to advise stakeholders in ambiguous or fast‐paced settings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Strong Microsoft Word and Excel capability.
Location & Ways of Working:
This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington office, with hybrid working and regular weekly attendance expected. Some travel may be required depending on project or customer needs.
Benefits:
- Bonus – performance‐related up to 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 for a bespoke benefits package
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays), with the option to buy/sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
- Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
- £250 one‐off payment for new starters to support home‐office set‐up
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning.
Why Join Us:
We are an equal‐opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Application Process:
Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These include:
- 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
Commercial Manager - Customer employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. As a Decommissioning Strategy Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the nuclear sector while benefiting from our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment. Located at the forefront of engineering excellence, we provide unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge technology and a diverse team dedicated to safety and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Customer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for 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!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will set you apart. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Customer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with complex contracts and any relevant commercial strategies you've developed. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves translating complex information, be sure to demonstrate your written communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect how you can present ideas effectively to stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your experience in regulated environments or complex industries. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these challenges, so share specific examples that showcase your expertise in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the types of commercial contracts relevant to the role, such as NEC, FIDIC, and JCT. Be prepared to discuss your experience negotiating these contracts and how you managed risk in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Demonstrate your ability to develop commercial strategies by discussing past experiences where you shaped pricing models or contract structures. Use specific examples to illustrate how your strategic insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your interpersonal skills by sharing examples of how you've built strong working relationships with stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve provided guidance on commercial matters in fast-paced environments, showcasing your influencing abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex commercial and technical information into clear, compelling formats. During the interview, focus on your communication skills by presenting your thoughts logically and concisely, ensuring that even non-experts can understand your points.
