Commercial Contract Manager

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Commercial Contract Manager, you will play a pivotal role in to manage and oversee commercial contracts throughout the organization. This role involves taking ownership of contract negotiations with Tier 1 suppliers, advising on commercial strategies, and ensuring alignment with financial constraints. Key responsibilities include managing commercial relationships, negotiating contract variations, mitigating risks, and ensuring value for money. You will work closely with strategic suppliers to fulfil mutual interests and contractual commitments.

The ideal candidate should be proactive, adaptable, and an excellent communicator, capable of working both independently and as part of a team. You will need to manage a diverse range of tasks, ensure documentation accuracy, and verify supplier compliance with contract terms.

This demanding yet rewarding position offers significant development opportunities in contract and commercial management, ideal for those looking to advance in this dynamic field.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Principal Stakeholder Management: Lead the management and oversight of all project and program subcontracts with industry partners.
• Support and Leadership for Contract Project Managers: Support a team managing contracts valued at roughly £40 million; lead change control and manage Work Order Numbers.
• Financial and Commercial Oversight: Develop and maintain commercial registers and robust financial models. Facilitate efficient financial information handling in collaboration with Project Controls.
• Commercial Expertise: Provide commercial guidance, including contract interpretation and advice to the Project Management Team.
• Supplier and Performance Management: Oversee payment assessments, supplier performance, and conduct supplier audits. Ensure adherence to contract KPIs and deliver regular performance feedback.
• Strategic Corporate Integration: Serve as a liaison with corporate functions to ensure smooth contract transitions and adherence to commercial and legal standards during the contract lifecycle.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience managing procurements of capital equipment and/or engineering contracts.
• Proficient in NEC3 and NEC4 forms of contract [PSC / SC / ECC].
• Experience interfacing with commercial, legal and procurement functions.
• Direct experience managing supplier / partner subcontracts >£10M.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be a good team player with ability to work effectively as part of the Group Procurement Team.

Desirable Requirements: 

• MCIPS Qualified.
• Contract management qualification.
• Contract Management Tools expertise (eg CEMAR).
• Line management experience.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.