Senior Commercial Analyst

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is building a company, attracting talent, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

Salary: £35,700. Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

Job Description

The Senior Commercial Analyst provides essential support in the commercial and contractual management of contracts within one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) or in operating as part of the wider STEP programme. The role operates with a degree of autonomy, providing commercial advice, supporting the Buyers & Commercial Managers, ensuring compliance with PA23 regulations, administering contracts, managing risks, and contributing to junior colleague development.

Responsibilities

• Support drafting & review of complex commercial contracts, including joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts.
• Assist ensuring contract terms align with programme objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
• Proactively manage post‑contract commercial processes, including early warnings, change control, cost forecasting, financial reporting, payment mechanisms, cost validation, cost auditing, and agreement of final accounts.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution, protecting organisational interests while maintaining positive, long‑term relationships with partners and suppliers.
• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks, developing and escalating mitigation strategies where appropriate.
• Draft contract amendments, extensions, and variations in line with delegated authority and company procedures.
• Produce and assure high‑quality commercial reports, including cost, risk, and performance metrics, and provide clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate, auditable, and well‑structured commercial and contractual documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement in contractor performance through effective data analysis, insight, and challenge.
• Support internal and external audits and provide commercial assurance where required.
• Build and maintain strong, credible relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, contractors, and delivery partners.
• Represent the organisation professionally in contract‑related meetings and forums.
• Mentor, guide, and provide informal supervision to Commercial Analysts or early‑career commercial staff.
• Act as a role model for organisational values, behaviours, and professional standards.
• Embody a leadership mindset and culture, fostering a positive, inclusive team environment and demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Experience in commercial or contract management, ideally within large, complex programmes or projects.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and problem‑solving skills.
• High proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Studying towards or willing to work towards membership of: MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or alternative recognised commercial accreditation.

Beneficial:

• CIPS Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent commercial qualification).
• Experience working in both public and private sectors.
• Experience in highly regulated environments, ideally within UK public sector frameworks.
• Familiarity with UK public sector commercial governance, policies, and assurance processes.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior commercial professionals.

Equality and Diversity

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. UKIFS is committed to being accessible. If you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, such as changes to the way we interview or share information, please contact talent@ukifs.uk.

Security Clearances

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. While not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.

International Applicants

Applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years must refer to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants for criminal records check information. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.