Commercial Specialist

Overview of Responsibilities

About us  

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.  

About the job

Join UKAEA’s Commercial team and play a key role in delivering procurement services across a diverse portfolio, supporting the Projects and Programmes Category which includes LIBRTI, Materials and the Fusion Partner Office or the Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Division. You’ll manage end-to-end procurement activities, provide commercial advice to project teams and stakeholders, and help secure value for money while ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations.

What You’ll be Doing

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for projects up to £1 million, from market engagement through to contract award and close-out.
• Provide commercial advice to Project Managers and Contract Project Managers on procurement and contractual strategies.
• Evaluate tenders, negotiate commercial agreements and support the resolution of contractual claims and disputes.
• Lead tender discussions, supplier engagement activities and bid evaluation panels, ensuring compliant and value-driven procurement outcomes.
• Support contract management activities throughout the contract lifecycle in accordance with UKAEA procurement processes.
• Develop and maintain procurement systems, databases and reporting tools, validating data and identifying opportunities to improve commercial processes.
• Deliver guidance and training on procurement systems, commercial practices and the e-tendering portal to colleagues across the organisation.
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, providing commercial advice and regular updates on procurement activities.
• Mentor Procurement Apprentices and Graduates, supporting the development of commercial capability within the team.
• Contribute to the development of category management strategies, commercial policies and standard terms and conditions.

What You’ll Bring

• CIPS Level 4 Diploma, working towards MCIPS.
• Experience of delivering public sector procurement activities and applying UK Public Procurement Regulations.
• Experience managing procurement and tendering activities, including supplier negotiations and bid evaluations.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and contract management principles.
• Experience using e-procurement portals and electronic contract management systems.
• Ability to analyse commercial information and apply sound commercial judgement to achieve value for money.

UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.

Benefits 

We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:   

• A salary of £44402 inclusive of a £4000 specialist allowance
• Up to 7% corporate performance bonus 
• Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution  
• 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays   
• 3 days of site closure over Christmas break  
• Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions  

Our commitment to ED&I 

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, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. 

Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. 

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here.