At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex customer contracts in a dynamic, hybrid environment.
- 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 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
Senior Commercial Lead - Major Customer Contracts (Hybrid) 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 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, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture centred on collaboration and continuous improvement. Located in key cities like Derby, Manchester, and Warrington, employees can enjoy the advantages of hybrid working while contributing to pioneering clean energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Lead - Major Customer Contracts (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around clean energy and commercial strategy. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing complex contracts, being able to articulate your value and negotiate effectively is key. We suggest role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead - Major Customer Contracts (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex contracts. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Rolls-Royce SMR, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to influence and manage relationships. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar environments.
Highlight Relevant Experience:We’re looking for someone with significant experience in commercial or contract management. Be sure to detail your past roles and achievements that relate directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 this exciting opportunity with us at Rolls-Royce SMR.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of contracts relevant to the role, like NEC or FIDIC. Brush up on your experience with complex, high-value contracts and be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed or negotiated these.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience influencing and engaging senior stakeholders. Think of instances where you’ve navigated a matrix environment and how you’ve built relationships that drive value and manage risk.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to commercial strategy in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve aligned contract management with broader programme objectives and how that led to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves mentoring junior team members, think of examples where you’ve supported or guided others. Share your approach to fostering collaboration and continuous improvement within a team setting.
