At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for electricity network projects and negotiate contracts.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy infrastructure and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in commercial management within utilities or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 50100 - 75100 € per year.
Base location: You will spend 50% of your working week in our Reading or Manchester office.
Salary: £50,100 - £75,100 + performance‑related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role The Commercial Manager Pre‑Contract plays a pivotal role within the ICP Business Unit by developing and negotiating the commercial proposition for electricity network infrastructure projects. The Commercial Manager is responsible for the development and delivery of commercial bids for new Independent Connection Provider (ICP) works, supporting the construction and delivery of new electricity network infrastructure across the UK. The postholder will personally lead the drafting, negotiation and risk positioning of all bid‑stage contracts, ensuring contractual clarity, appropriate risk allocation and full commercial protection prior to submission and award. The role retains accountability for bid strategy, pricing integrity, governance and final commercial submissions. The postholder will also draft variation agreements for projects in construction, as required.
You will:
- Own the end‑to‑end commercial strategy for ICP bids, from early opportunity development through to contract award.
- Lead the commercial shaping of opportunities from the earliest engagement stage, influencing bid/no‑bid decisions, route‑to‑market, contracting strategy and commercial positioning.
- Personally draft, amend and finalise all upstream contracts and support procurement with downstream contract amendments, ensuring balanced risk allocation and that downstream supply chain contracts mirror upstream risk.
- Lead and control all contractual negotiations with clients and suppliers through to award, setting negotiation strategy, defining red lines, and managing commercial correspondence.
- Identify, assess and mitigate contractual risk, ensuring alignment between contract, scope, programme and price, and that risks are reflected in pricing, contingencies and assumptions.
- Lead the estimating function and sign off all project cost adjudications, providing senior leadership with robust estimates aligned with delivery methodology and business targets.
- Lead internal bid reviews and approvals, providing clear commercial and contractual recommendations to senior stakeholders and ensuring full confidence in bid acceptance and award conditions.
- Work closely with delivery, engineering, procurement, legal and finance to align bid submissions and avoid downstream disputes by ensuring bids are technically sound, contractually clear and commercially coherent.
You have:
- Senior commercial experience within ICP, utilities, power or civil infrastructure environments, and a strong understanding of how commercial decisions at bid stage impact delivery performance, margin erosion and claims exposure.
- A proven track record of delivering successful competitive bids, including negotiating departures, qualifications and alternative commercial positions to secure award without exposing the business to unacceptable downside risk.
- Strong, demonstrable experience personally drafting and negotiating ICP and NEC contracts and bespoke amendments, with the ability to interpret contractual risk and propose robust solutions independently.
- Deep understanding of contractual risk and its impact on pricing, delivery and margin, including downstream effects of pain/gain provisions, compensation events and programme obligations.
- Experience leading pre‑contract commercial teams and coordinating multidisciplinary bid inputs, setting clear direction and driving deadlines to produce high‑quality tender submissions under time pressure.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33 bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.
Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships, wellbeing benefits such as a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service, interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. Generous family entitlements include maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, and we especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Commercial Manager – ICP Pre-Construction employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Commercial Manager in the energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and generous family entitlements, SSE fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow and succeed. The company's ambitious investment in critical electricity infrastructure not only contributes to a sustainable future but also provides employees with meaningful and rewarding work in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager – ICP Pre-Construction
✨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 Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to ICP and how they handle commercial bids. 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! Since the role involves a lot of contract negotiations, being able to demonstrate your ability to navigate tough discussions can set you apart. Role-play 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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission in the energy sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager – ICP Pre-Construction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial management, especially within ICP or utilities. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves a lot of negotiation, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience in this area. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or managed risk, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ICP, utilities, and civil infrastructure. Understand how commercial decisions at the bid stage can impact delivery performance and margin erosion. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiations
Since you'll be leading negotiations, practice articulating your negotiation strategy. Think about potential red lines and how you would handle them. Being prepared to discuss your approach to risk allocation and contractual clarity will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Bid Successes
Have examples ready of successful competitive bids you've delivered in the past. Be specific about your role in drafting and negotiating contracts, and how you managed to secure awards without exposing your previous employers to unacceptable risks.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Highlight your experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you've coordinated inputs from various departments to produce high-quality tender submissions under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to align bids technically and commercially, which is crucial for this role.
