Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

• Full-time
• Salary: £62,858 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
• Division: UKIFS - Commercial
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• Confirmed Grade:
  Level 6
• Department: UKIFS - Commercial and Supply Chain

Company

Description:

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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. UKIFS 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 UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• 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

We offer a competitive salary which includes excellent benefits and outstanding pension. The salary for this role is £62,858.

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

The Role

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

• Lead the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and delivery milestones.
• Ensure all contract terms reflect best practice within the construction industry, meeting regulatory, safety and quality standards typical of major capital projects.
• Drive a collaborative, alliance‑based approach to contract management with Whole Plant Partners and major Tier 1 contractors, fostering strong relationships that support safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery.
• Provide construction‑focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring commercial resilience across design, construction and commissioning phases.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle for construction packages—from procurement and mobilisation through to delivery, variations, compensation events and final account.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance, site progress, cost forecasting and contract compliance.
• Lead the resolution of contractual issues, drawing on expertise in construction law, NEC contract management and multi‑disciplinary stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain full compliance with commercial, legal, health & safety and regulatory frameworks, particularly those governing major construction and infrastructure works.
• Lead and develop a cross‑functional commercial team supporting construction delivery, including UKIFS colleagues and representatives from Whole Plant Partner organisations.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models, digital…