Commercial Procurement Manager

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them. 

Provide support to Commercial Leads, Department Heads and Service Leads, delivering value-for-money outcomes through high-quality procurement support across the organisation. Offer expert advice and guidance while leading the delivery of high-profile and complex procurements for UKAEA’s growing R&D portfolio and indirect categories. Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and support the achievement of organisational milestones, contributing to wider Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) targets.

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Core responsibilities

• Coordinate procurement support for major construction and estates projects, ensuring delivery aligns with key milestones and targets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, ensuring compliance with Public Contracts Regulations and relevant legislation (e.g. CDM, Building Safety Act, Intellectual Property, Export Controls).
• Lead the pre-qualification of contractors, conduct tender interviews, evaluate submissions, and negotiate contracts through to award.
• Lead the development of Business Cases for DESNZ and Cabinet Office Commercial Controls.
• Manage, monitor, and control contractual performance, ensuring adherence to terms relating to time, cost, and quality.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and propose solutions to support continuous improvement across UKAEA, making evidence-based recommendations using analytical and constructive thinking.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement strategies across the site.
• Provide commercial advice to line and senior management within UKAEA, contributing to specific initiatives where appropriate.
• Build effective relationships and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Provide procurement leadership on large or complex construction and estates projects.
• Ensure full compliance with all UKAEA policies, procedures, and governance requirements.

• MCIPS qualified with extensive public sector procurement experience, including knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023.
• Strong technical expertise in construction and estates procurement, including CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act.
• Advanced knowledge of NEC4 ECC and ECSC forms of contract, with excellent negotiation capability.
• Proven procurement strategy development and delivery, with strong commercial acumen and customer focus.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.

A full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include: 

• £57117 base salary inclusive of specialist allowance 
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution 
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays 
• Flexible and hybrid working options 

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. Further information can be found here.