Job Description

Overview of Responsibilities

--------------------------------

The Role

As

Head of Commercial

, within the Commercial Division of

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS),

you will lead one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), managing strategic contracts that underpin the STEP programme. Reporting directly to the

Commercial Director

, you will:

Develop and Lead Contract Strategy

Oversee cost assurance and governance within the IPT. Establish and manage long-term strategic alliances with

Whole Plant Partners

, ensuring contracts drive collaboration and high-performance outcomes. Develop

procurement strategies

and implement best-in-class contract terms that ensure effective supplier performance. Promote

alliancing principles

to foster mutually beneficial partnerships. Work with

technology leads

to align contracts with technical scope and supply chain needs. Enable the development of a

fusion supply chain

, driving industry-led technological advancements critical to programme success. Lead

dispute resolution

and contract modifications proactively, ensuring fair and strategic outcomes. Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and industry-specific requirements.

Build and Lead a High-Performing Team

Work with the

Commercial Director

to establish a world-class

commercial function

within UKIFS. Develop and manage a high-performing

contract management team

, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Mentor and guide team members, equipping them with the skills and tools needed for success. Drive strategic commercial decisions that align with programme-wide objectives. Lead with

integrity and professionalism

, setting an example of excellence in contract management.

Drive Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Represent the

commercial function within the IPT leadership team

, influencing programme direction and delivery. Work cross-functionally to align contract management with broader business and technical goals. Maintain

strong supplier relationships

, ensuring alignment on deliverables, milestones, and accountability. Act as a

cultural ambassador

, reinforcing UKIFS values in all interactions with stakeholders, partners, and the supply chain.

Prepare for Industry Integration

Develop and embed commercial and procurement processes in preparation for the

Whole Plant Partner contracts

. Support the

selection and onboarding

of key industry partners. Lead in the

integration and mobilisation

of Whole Plant Partners within the STEP programme. Drive the ongoing

evolution of commercial governance and leadership

to ensure continued programme success.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.


Salary
83,421 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
View benefits


Programme
Department
UKIFS - Commercial and Supply Chain
Discipline
Supply Chain
Site Location
West Burton or Culham
Type of Employment
Full-time
Reference Number
REF3538X

Qualifications

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We are seeking a

visionary leader

with a deep understanding of complex contract management, particularly in high-value, innovative engineering or infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills & Experience:

MCIPS or RICS Qualification

(or equivalent). Extensive experience managing

large, complex contracts

, ideally in

construction or engineering

. Strong expertise in

contract law, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks

. Demonstrated success in

alliancing or collaborative contract models

(e.g., NEC contracts). Experience leading

large commercial teams

and engaging cross-functional stakeholders. Exceptional

negotiation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills

. Ability to operate in a

highly regulated environment

while managing complex compliance requirements. Strategic mindset with a track record of delivering

best-for-programme

outcomes. Adaptability in a

fast-changing, evolving programme

.

Desirable Experience:

Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner

(or willingness to obtain). Experience in developing

joint ventures or consortia contracts

. Experience in a

commercial leadership role

within a start-up or high-growth environment. Leadership in

commercial transformation or organisational change initiatives

.

Public sector and private sector experience

, with knowledge of regulatory frameworks.

Additional Information

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We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. 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 organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.


UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.


This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.


For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.