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
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
- 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.
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 employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises transparency, fairness, and innovation. With competitive salaries, a robust benefits package, and opportunities for career progression in a rapidly scaling business, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to the mission of delivering clean, affordable energy. The hybrid working model and supportive culture foster collaboration and continuous improvement, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. 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 mission and values, especially around clean energy. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨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 with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our mission to deliver clean, affordable energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Commercial Manager
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 is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven value and managed risks in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who are genuine and passionate about their work, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨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, such as NEC, FIDIC, or JCT. 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 ensure successful contract execution.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Expertise
Given the high-risk environment of this position, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing commercial risks. Share specific instances where you've identified potential risks in contracts and how you mitigated them effectively. This will show your ability to operate in regulated environments.
✨Align with Their Vision for Growth
Rolls-Royce SMR is focused on delivering clean, affordable energy. Familiarise yourself with their mission and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their commercial strategy and support future growth through effective contract management.
