Programme Commercial Manager in Retford

Salary: £64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

Division: UKFE - Commercial

Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire

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 charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE 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 UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy 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 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 and the right to request flexible working from the start of your 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.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

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

The Lead Commercial Manager is a senior commercial leader accountable for the definition and delivery of commercial strategy across one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), ensuring alignment to the overall STEP programme commercial model and long-term delivery objectives. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and acts as a senior commercial authority, shaping programme-wide approaches to contracting, risk allocation, and supply chain strategy within a First‑of‑a‑kind, highly complex infrastructure programme.

The post holder will provide strategic commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early market engagement and procurement strategy development through to contract delivery, optimisation, and closeout. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role provides expert commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle - from cost planning and procurement through to final account agreement. The post holder will work closely with finance, programme and technical colleagues, representing commercial in a quad governance arrangement accountable for the successful execution of the IPTs objectives.

Relationships will need to be built and maintained with internal stakeholders, external partners, and key suppliers to ensure the successful execution of contracts, with a focus on alliancing, collaborative working, and delivering business objectives. This position is pivotal to ensuring that the programme achieves the tactical objectives of the IPT contributing to the strategic success of the STEP programme.

The role holder will be accountable for the oversight of a portfolio of contracts within their area, acting as the STEP commercial representative on strategic, high value and/or complex contracts and delegating authority to Commercial Managers where appropriate to do so. The role is integral to a quad governance arrangement and is accountable not only for IPT outcomes but also for influencing and assuring commercial coherence across the wider STEP programme.

The role holder will:

• Lead the commercial function within their IPT.
• Influence cross-IPT commercial decision-making and contribute to programme-wide commercial frameworks and governance.
• Represent commercial at senior internal and external forums, including executive and government stakeholders.
• Shape innovative commercial delivery solutions to support the successful delivery of a first‑of‑a‑kind fusion programme.

Accountability 1: Pre‑contract and Procurement

• Provide expert leadership in the development of procurement and contracting strategies for complex contracts.
• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contractual arrangements, including joint ventures, alliancing models, major construction and infrastructure agreements.
• Define and influence commercial strategies that align IPT delivery with overall programme objectives and long‑term commercial models.
• Develop innovative commercial solutions in areas where limited precedent exists, reflecting the novel nature of fusion delivery.
• Ensure contract terms reflect programme risk appetite, regulatory frameworks, and commercial objectives.
• Establish and oversee robust commercial risk identification and mitigation strategies.

Accountability 2: Cost Management & Commercial Control

• Lead the commercial and cost strategy for major portfolios of construction and infrastructure contracts in the IPT, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance.
• Ensure integration of cost strategies across multiple contracts and delivery partners to optimise programme‑level outcomes.
• Provide strategic oversight and commercial leadership in the management of cost planning and cost breakdown structures.
• Advise senior stakeholders on commercial implications of strategic programme decisions, including scope evolution, delivery models, and investment decisions.
• Maintain accountability for cost management within governance thresholds while influencing programme affordability and value for money.

Accountability 3: Measurement, Valuation & Change Control

• When acting as commercial representative on a strategic contract, ensure change is being managed effectively.
• Be accountable for ensuring that value for money, robustness, and contractual compliance is maintained and demonstrable on all contracts within the IPT.
• Support direct reports in reaching agreement on final accounts and ensure timely, controlled contract close‑out.
• Drive alignment of change control practices across IPTs to support programme consistency and auditability.

Accountability 4: Contract Management

• Shape and influence the development of programme‑wide commercial delivery models and contracting frameworks.
• Provide expert guidance to direct reports and senior stakeholders on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation, and commercial models.
• Lead commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages on all strategic contracts within the portfolio.
• Be accountable for ensuring contracts are administered in line with agreed terms, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive contractor performance, utilising contractual performance metrics, commercial levers and strong relationship management to deliver desired outcomes.

Accountability 5: Escalation & Dispute Resolution

• Provide expert leadership in the management of escalated cost and commercial risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
• Resolve high‑value, multi‑party disputes with significant programme implications.
• Lead dispute avoidance activities through early intervention, commercial negotiation, and strong relationship management.
• Provide expertise and leadership in formal dispute resolution processes where required.

Accountability 6: Reporting & Assurance

• Produce and present high‑quality cost and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Provide programme‑level insight and assurance on cost, risk, and commercial performance across portfolios.
• Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality, and reporting discipline.

Accountability 7: Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Act as a senior commercial interface with government bodies, regulators and strategic partners, influencing policy and commercial approaches.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships within the wider Commercial team, Senior Project Managers, Senior Engineers, Senior Finance representatives, and other senior stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in commercial meetings with key external stakeholders.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional oversight to direct reports, and other commercial colleagues.
• Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour, and organisational values.

Accountability 8: Embody a Leadership Mindset

• Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• 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:

• Significant experience in commercial and/or procurement on construction, infrastructure projects or similar.
• Proven ability to manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience operating at programme level, influencing or integrating multiple delivery streams or contracts.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC, bespoke construction contracts).
• Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control, and final accounts.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Experience operating in ambiguous, evolving or first‑of‑a‑kind delivery environments requiring innovative commercial solutions.
• Actively working towards or qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS/FRICS).

Beneficial:

• Experience working in highly regulated or public‑sector environments.
• Experience supporting or managing quantity surveying/ procurement staff.
• Familiarity with assurance, governance, and delegated authority frameworks.
• Experience engaging with executive‑level stakeholders and government bodies on commercial strategy.

Additional Information:

• Professional Development and Collaboration: Active engagement with APM and other relevant external bodies as part of continuous development.
• We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.
• 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.

As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work:

• We champion safety.
• We all matter.
• We act as one.
• We are pioneering.
• We deliver.