Commercial Manager - Operator

Originally named, 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.

GBE-N is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to support the development of the commercial strategy and procurement activity for the Operational Capability element of its SMR Programme, which is fundamental to the long term delivery of the SMR Project.

The Commercial Manager will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to identify appropriate packaging, sourcing and commercial strategies to deliver this complex, strategically important and multi functional scope of capability. We are seeking an individual with experience in developing commercial and financial models to incentivise performance within a large scale, multi disciplinary programme. Experience in public sector procurement is highly desirable.

The Commercial Manager will sit within GBE N's Commercial Directorate and report to the Senior Commercial Lead. The role will support the development of the commercial strategy and manage the delivery of one or multiple procurements for complex, high value operational delivery contracts, potentially valued in the hundreds of millions. The role includes line management responsibilities and accountability for setting and overseeing the delivery of commercial and procurement activities undertaken by the Assistant Commercial Manager.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and experience supporting commercial activity within large scale construction and engineering programmes. Strong team working, collaboration and effective project management will be key to success in this role.

This is a mainly remote role with adhoc attendance required in either our Warrington or London office.

Please see the attached job description for a full list of the duties.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for the delivery of commercial and procurement activity to support the development of GBE N's operational capability. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Managing procurement and commercial activity across the full commercial lifecycle, from strategy development through to contract award, in conjunction with business stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with other stakeholders and functions, including colleagues in Finance, Programme Management Office (PMO), Legal and Technical, to provide a seamless service offering.
• Overseeing task related activities carried out by the Assistant Commercial Manager in relation to delivery of the procurement and commercial strategy (e.g. ITT, pricing models, negotiation plans and contract development).
• Managing external contractors and consultants, ensuring budgets are managed appropriately.
• Overseeing approvals and business case processes, including requisition, financial and commercial approvals.

Commercial and Procurement Strategy

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of commercial and procurement strategies across their portfolio. This will include supporting Delivery Model Assessments and contributing to commercial strategy development. The Commercial Manager will ensure that appropriate commercial mechanisms, such as payment mechanisms relevant to the delivery of major, complex infrastructure programmes, are designed to deliver value for money (VfM) and meet the strategic aims of the Programme.

The Commercial Manager will also support the identification of the approach GBE N will take to procure outsourced components required to meet programme requirements. This will include defining procurement objectives, routes to market and lotting strategies, market engagement activity and evaluation strategies. The Commercial Manager will draw on their experience to demonstrate an understanding of in life contract management during the strategy development phase.

Commercial Assurance and Governance

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for ensuring assurance and governance activities across the commercial lifecycle are undertaken. This may include responsibility for ensuring the Assistant Commercial Manager has followed commercial policy in the completion of commercial activity, any operational and risk management reviews as well as leading the support for any internal and/or external audits. It is expected the Commercial Manager will lead drafting of business case and other strategic documents for approvals.

Market Analysis and Commercial Intelligence

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for leading market analysis of key supplier markets to understand the key characteristics of the nuclear and related marketplaces to ensure adequate competition exists to continue to drive value for money. This may also include delivering an assessment of the business needs together with supply market analysis to assist in advising an appropriate market engagement approach.

Procurement Process and Negotiation

The Commercial Manager will use their procurement and negotiation experience to deliver all stages of the procurement process, from tender initiation through to contract award and supplier mobilisation, within agreed programme timescales. This will include drafting Invitations to Tender (ITT), contracts and schedules, as well as managing contract sign‑off and preparing outcome letters and assessment summaries. All stages will be managed through the appropriate GBE‑N governance processes, with the Commercial Manager responsible for ensuring these processes are followed.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

Essential

• Relevant experience working on nuclear, construction, engineering and/or critical infrastructure programmes.
• Significant experience supporting the delivery of commercial, procurement and contract management activity in line with Government processes (including Cabinet Office and HMT requirements).

Desirable

• Experience delivering commercial and procurement activity within the NEC suite of contracts, including drafting and negotiation.
• Experience leading large scale negotiations and commercial agreements, with the ability to influence effectively while maintaining strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience navigating commercial and procurement activity within Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks, including assessing routes to market at pace.
• Experience working within public sector procurement environments, including PCR and the Procurement Act.

Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at Recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk, and we will be happy to provide assistance.