Commercial Manager - Procurement & Contract Management

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) | STEP Programme | West Burton, Nottinghamshire

Help build the commercial partnerships that will support the future of fusion energy.

The STEP Programme is one of the UK''s most ambitious engineering and scientific endeavours, bringing together world-leading expertise to develop the world''s first prototype fusion power plant.

As UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) continues to grow, we are seeking Commercial Managers to help develop and manage the procurement strategies, supplier relationships and commercial frameworks that will underpin the delivery of this pioneering programme.

This is an opportunity to join at a formative stage, working alongside engineers, technical specialists and programme leaders to solve complex commercial challenges within a highly innovative environment.

Whether your background sits within engineering, defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, technology or scientific research, this role offers the chance to apply your commercial expertise to a programme that has the potential to change how the world generates energy.

The Role

As a Commercial Manager, you''ll sit within UKFE''s Engineering Function, supporting the successful delivery of complex technical programmes through effective procurement, contract management and supplier engagement.
This is not a traditional commercial construction role. Instead, the focus is on developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring commercial arrangements support programme objectives throughout the contract lifecycle.

Working closely with engineers, programme teams, procurement colleagues and external suppliers, you''ll help ensure critical packages are delivered successfully while balancing risk, value for money and long-term strategic objectives.
You''ll operate within a collaborative environment where commercial decisions directly influence the success of pioneering engineering and research activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing procurement and sourcing strategies
• Managing complex supplier and contract portfolios
• Leading supplier engagement and commercial negotiations
• Supporting market analysis and route-to-market decisions
• Driving value for money and cost-benefit assessments
• Managing commercial and contractual risk
• Building strong supplier relationships and strategic partnerships
• Supporting governance, assurance and commercial compliance activities
• Providing commercial guidance to engineering and programme stakeholders
• Monitoring supplier performance and contractual obligations throughout the contract lifecycle

About YouWe''re looking for commercially minded professionals who combine strong procurement expertise with excellent contract management capabilities.

You''ll be comfortable operating within complex stakeholder environments, influencing decisions and working collaboratively with technical teams to achieve successful commercial outcomes.

You''ll ideally bring:

• Significant experience in procurement, commercial management or contract management
• Experience developing procurement strategies and sourcing approaches
• Strong supplier relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Proven experience negotiating and managing complex contracts
• Experience assessing and mitigating commercial risk
• A strong understanding of value for money principles and commercial governance
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Experience working within engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, energy, technology or other technically complex sectors

Particularly Attractive Backgrounds

• Advanced engineering organisations
• Aerospace and defence
• Research and development environments
• Scientific organisations and research institutes
• Prototype, innovation or first-of-a-kind programmes
• Energy and technology businesses
• Highly regulated procurement environments
• MCIPS qualification, or progress towards professional accreditation, would be highly advantageous.

Why Join UKFE?

Few organisations can offer the opportunity to contribute to a programme of this scale, complexity and significance.

Joining UKFE means becoming part of a growing organisation that is helping to establish a completely new industry within the UK. You''ll work alongside leading engineers, scientists and programme professionals while helping build the commercial foundations that will support the future delivery of fusion energy.

This is an environment where your contribution will be visible, your ideas valued, and your work will have a genuine impact on the long-term success of the programme.

Package

• -51,317 basic salary
• Additional -5,800 allowance for MCIPS holders
• Corporate bonus scheme
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Minimum two days per week on site
• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities
• The opportunity to help shape one of the UK''s most exciting engineering and innovation programmes

If you''re looking for a role where you can influence procurement strategy, manage strategic supplier relationships and play a key role in a world-changing programme, we''d be delighted to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Will Taylor at Hays in Lincoln for a confidential discussion.

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