Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

Full-time role with a salary of £64,115 plus excellent benefits including a generous pension. Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Division: UKFE - Commercial; Department: UKFE - Commercial and Supply Chain.

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the design and delivery of the STEP prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype. Fusion energy is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century, with first operations targeted around 2040. UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain.

As an employee of UKFE, 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.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire with onsite working expected for 3 days each week.

Job Description

The Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key commercial leader within one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), driving procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme. You will shape the commercial strategy for complex capital works, enable industry partnerships and ensure successful delivery of this world-first project.

• Lead drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts.
• Ensure contract terms reflect best practice, meeting regulatory, safety and quality standards.
• Drive a collaborative, alliance-based approach to contract management.
• Provide construction-focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee full contract lifecycle for construction packages.
• Establish tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance.
• Lead resolution of contractual issues using NEC contract management.
• Maintain compliance with commercial, legal, health and safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Lead and develop a cross-functional commercial team.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex construction commercial matters.
• Drive continuous improvement of commercial processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the principal point of contact for all contract-related matters.
• Work with engineering, project management, construction management and commercial teams.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on NEC procedures.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador for UKFE.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing contracts on major construction programmes.
• MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in senior contract management roles.
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts and commercial frameworks.
• Experience leading small to medium commercial teams.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset focused on long-term collaborative partnerships.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, evolving programme environment.
• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia contracts.
• Public sector experience, including working within government procurement regulations.
• Experience leading commercial transformation initiatives.

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 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors promote EDI and strive to remove barriers to success.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. There is a possibility of SC Clearance in the future.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive many applications.