Commercial Manager - UKIFS

Join UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through the design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing 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. UKIFS 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.
• A wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £50,311 (an additional allowance may be paid where MCIPS is held). Employees of UKIFS can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire, and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

Job Description

The Role

As a Commercial Manager, you will ensure the successful negotiation, execution, and management of contracts essential to delivering fusion energy. Working closely with internal stakeholders, Whole Plant Partners, and key suppliers, you will provide strategic contract management expertise, helping to ensure that all contractual obligations are met while fostering collaborative working relationships.

Contract Management & Compliance

• Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex contracts, including supply agreements, joint venture contracts, and construction agreements.
• Collaborate with technical, legal, and procurement teams to ensure contracts align with project objectives, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle, from procurement to execution and close-out, ensuring compliance and maximising value for money.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks in contract execution.
• Provide guidance on contract variations, amendments, renewals, and claims management.
• Ensure effective cost forecasting, change management, and payments, working in line with NEC contract requirements.
• Work with legal and sourcing teams to resolve contract disputes efficiently while maintaining strong relationships with partners.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster a collaborative working environment, ensuring seamless contract execution across UKIFS and Whole Plant Partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Work closely with technical teams to resolve contractual and commercial challenges.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting UKIFS’s values of professionalism, integrity, and innovation.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior team members on contract management best practices.

Driving Excellence in Contract Management

• Implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance contractor performance and efficiency.
• Maintain high-quality commercial and contractual data, ensuring clear visibility of contract performance.
• Stay up to date with developments in the fusion energy industry, including regulatory updates and supply chain trends.
• Adapt to a fast-moving and evolving environment, helping shape UKIFS’s commercial approach as the fusion sector grows.

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

We are looking for a strategic and results-driven contract professional with a strong background in engineering, infrastructure, or major project contract management.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• MCIPS or RICS Qualification (or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience in contract management, ideally within construction, engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Practical experience managing contracts under NEC frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex contractual issues and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage compliance and reporting in a highly regulated environment.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and drive collaborative working relationships.

Desirable Experience:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia Contracts.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and governance.
• Background in both public and private sector contract management.

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 actively promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.