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- 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 roles 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 in Reading employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager – ICP Pre-Construction in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more connections we have, the better our chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We should know their recent achievements and challenges, especially in the ICP space. This shows we're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! We can do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. The more we rehearse, the more confident we'll feel when it’s our turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set us apart and keep us fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager – ICP Pre-Construction in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in ICP, utilities, or civil infrastructure, and show us how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of successful bids you've led, contracts you've negotiated, and how you’ve managed risk in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 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 discussing contract terms and risk allocation. Be ready to explain how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Bid Strategy Skills
Think about examples where you've developed and executed successful bid strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you influenced bid/no-bid decisions and managed multidisciplinary inputs. This will highlight your leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.
✨Align with SSE's Values
Familiarise yourself with SSE’s purpose and their commitment to energy transition. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not just qualified but also passionate about the industry.