Senior Commercial Analyst in Retford

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• 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.

The salary for this role is £35,700. This position is to be based at 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. Building on the Commercial Analyst role, the Senior Commercial Analyst operates with some degree of autonomy, providing commercial advice, supporting defined aspects of contract delivery, and supporting the Buyers & Commercial Managers in the strategic oversight of procurement and contractual performance. The role is responsible for ensuring robust adherence to PA23 regulations, contract administration, proactive risk management, data management and the successful execution of complex commercial arrangements, while also contributing to the development of junior colleagues and continuous improvement of commercial processes.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Support the drafting & review of complex commercial contracts, including joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts within the IPT.
• Assist the Buyers & Commercial Managers in ensuring contract terms align with programme objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
• Proactively manage post-contract commercial processes, including early warnings and change control, cost forecasting and financial reporting, payment mechanisms and cost validation, cost auditing and agreement of final accounts.
• Take a supporting role in dispute avoidance and resolution, protecting organisational interests while maintaining positive, long-term relationships with Whole Plant Partners and suppliers.
• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed, implemented, and escalated where appropriate.
• Draft contract amendments, extensions, and variations in line with delegated authority and company procedures.

Performance, Reporting & Assurance

• Produce and assure high-quality commercial reports, including cost, risk, and performance metrics, providing 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.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Build and maintain strong, credible relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, contractors, and delivery partners.
• Represent the organisation professionally in contract-related meetings and forums.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and 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

• Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours.
• You embrace and embody our organisation's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.

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 level of 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 Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS), or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) 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.

Additional Information

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' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst 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.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. 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.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.