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- Tasks: Lead the development and negotiation of complex commercial agreements for groundbreaking fusion energy projects.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean energy innovation and fusion technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transition to carbon-free energy while shaping strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and advanced negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality in STEM fields.
The predicted salary is between 57117 - 57117 ÂŁ per year.
Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon‑free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground‑breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
The Commercial Manager plays a critical role in shaping and delivering UKAEA’s strategic commercial agenda. This position leads the development, negotiation, and management of complex commercial agreements—including collaboration contracts, consortium arrangements, and framework deals—across the organisation. Operating at the heart of high‑value, multi‑million‑pound engagements, the role enables impactful partnerships and supports the delivery of UKAEA’s growing Research & Development (R&D) portfolio.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead commercial input into major projects and programmes, ensuring timely, high‑quality support aligned with project milestones.
- Shape commercial strategy for non‑regulated procurements, partnerships, and collaborations.
- Provide expert judgement on risk allocation, negotiation approach, and commercial positioning.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including: Collaboration agreements, Consortium and NDAs.
- Identify and mitigate commercial, legal, financial, and delivery risks throughout the negotiation lifecycle.
- Resolve commercial issues and disputes, escalating where appropriate.
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, IP, Programme Management and technical teams to ensure agreements meet organisational needs.
- Act as a key interface with external partners, suppliers, research institutions, and industry collaborators.
- Support internal governance forums with commercial insight and reporting, including performance, risks and pipeline.
- Promote continuous improvement and contribute to the development of commercial policies and frameworks.
Qualifications
- Strong experience in Public Sector procurement, with sound knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR 2023).
- Broad technical understanding across a range of procurement categories, underpinned by strategic procurement expertise.
- Commercially astute and customer‑focused, with the ability to balance value, risk and stakeholder priorities.
- Advanced negotiation skills, including experience negotiating at senior levels and a working knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative and effective team player, contributing positively within a Commercial Procurement team environment.
Additional Information
Full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include:
- ÂŁ57117 base salary inclusive of specialist allowance
- Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege day and 8 Bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working options
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.
Commercial Procurement Manager employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact Detail:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and any relevant negotiation skills that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to UKAEA’s mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your commercial acumen and ability to manage complex agreements.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your personality shine through, so make sure your communication style reflects who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Public Sector procurement and the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR 2023). Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you understand the complexities involved in commercial agreements.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully navigated complex agreements. Highlight your advanced negotiation skills and how you’ve balanced value, risk, and stakeholder priorities. This will demonstrate your ability to handle high-stakes discussions effectively.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with various teams, be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with legal, finance, and technical teams. Share specific instances where your teamwork led to successful outcomes, as this will illustrate your collaborative spirit and effectiveness in a team environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to influence and engage senior stakeholders, so being able to communicate complex ideas in an understandable way is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your verbal and written communication skills before the big day.