Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

Overview

Full-time role with a salary of £64,115 plus excellent benefits including a generous pension.

Location:

West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Division: UKFE - Commercial;
Department: UKFE - Commercial and Supply Chain.

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the design and delivery of the STEP prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype. Fusion energy is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century, with first operations targeted around 2040.

UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKFE, 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.

Salary for this role is £64,115. This role includes a non-contractual and non-pensionable specialist allowance of up to £7,000 for candidates who possess CIPS/MCIPS certifications.

This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire with onsite working 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 procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme. You will shape the commercial strategy for complex capital works, enable industry partnerships and ensure successful delivery of this world-first project.

• Lead drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts, aligned with programme objectives and milestones.
• Ensure contract terms reflect best practice, 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.
• Provide construction-focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies across design, construction and commissioning phases.
• Oversee full contract lifecycle for construction packages—from procurement and mobilisation through delivery, variations, compensation events and final account.
• Establish tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance, site progress, cost forecasting and contract compliance.
• Lead resolution of contractual issues using NEC contract management and multi-disciplinary stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain compliance with commercial, legal, health and safety and regulatory frameworks governing major works.
• Lead and develop a cross-functional commercial team supporting construction delivery with UKFE colleagues and Whole Plant Partner organisations.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models, digital construction, modern methods of construction (MMC) and large-scale infrastructure contracting.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture across commercial, engineering and construction management teams.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex construction commercial matters, NEC processes and supplier performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement of commercial processes, supply chain performance and contract governance.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers across the supply chain, ensuring accountability to scope, budget and schedule.

• Act as the principal point of contact for all contract-related matters within your IPT,…