Senior Commercial Manager

Company: UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), a subsidiary of UKAEA

Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire, UK (onsite)

Employment type: Full Time

Overview


UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), a UKAEA subsidiary, is leading design and delivery of the STEP prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. This Senior Commercial Manager will be a key leader ensuring effective procurement, execution, and management of high-value contracts, shaping contract strategy and enabling the industry partnerships that will drive fusion energy’s realisation, working across supply, engineering, and service agreements with UKFE’s Whole Plant Partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts, including supply, engineering, and service agreements
  • Ensure contract terms align with programme goals, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
  • Drive a collaborative approach to contract management, maintaining fair and productive relationships with Whole Plant Partners
  • Manage the full contract lifecycle, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met on time and within budget
  • Lead the resolution of contract disputes, working closely with legal, technical, and sourcing teams
  • Oversee and develop a cross-functional commercial team, including UKFE employees and Whole Plant Partner representatives
  • Mentor and coach team members on complex contract management issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes and supplier performance
  • Serve as the primary contact for all contract-related matters within their Integrated Project Team (IPT)

Requirements

Essential: MCIPS or RICS qualification (or equivalent); proven experience in senior contract management, ideally in engineering or major infrastructure projects; strong expertise in NEC contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks; experience leading small to medium-sized commercial teams and delivering strategic outcomes; excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a highly regulated environment with strict compliance; strong leadership and cross-functional communication skills.

Desirable: Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner status (or willingness to obtain); experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia Contracts; public sector knowledge, including government regulations and policy; track record implementing commercial transformation initiatives.