Commercial Lead - Post

Overview

Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy - Nuclear, is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBN-E will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.

Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.

Collaboration - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.

Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.

Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.

Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recrui and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

The ideal candidate will be experienced, motivated, enthusiastic, and personable, with a proven track record in providing commercial leadership and support to large-scale infrastructure projects and programmes—particularly in the post-contract award phase.

The Commercial Lead will be responsible for managing a small team to ensure the successful delivery of procurement activity and ongoing contract management within their portfolio. This includes coordination of external advisory input where appropriate and a strong focus on post-award contract performance, supplier relationship management, and commercial risk mitigation.

As the primary commercial contact for their portfolio, the Commercial Lead will work closely and proactively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support programme delivery. They will be accountable for the performance of their team, ensuring individuals are aware of their responsibilities across the full commercial lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on contract administration, change control, and performance management.

The role supports the Head of Commercial in developing and implementing procurement and contract management strategies aligned with the SMR Programme Objectives. The individual will lead procurement processes and provide commercial project management support through evaluation, negotiation, and post-award contract delivery.

While procurement experience remains essential, demonstrated expertise in post-contract commercial management—including contract performance monitoring, supplier engagement, and issue resolution—is critical. The Commercial Lead will offer expert commercial advice to both commercial and non-commercial staff throughout the contract lifecycle.

This is a leadership role requiring the ability to navigate complex challenges at pace and work collaboratively across GBE-N and with internal and external stakeholders.