Senior Commercial Manager - Construction

The Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key commercial leader within one of our Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), driving the procurement, execution and contract management of major construction and infrastructure packages within the STEP programme. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial strategy for complex capital works, enabling industry partnerships and ensuring the successful delivery of this world-first engineering and construction project.

Contract Strategy & Delivery

• Lead the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex construction, civils, infrastructure and engineering contracts, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and delivery milestones.
• Ensure all contract terms reflect best practice within the construction industry, meeting regulatory, safety and quality standards typical of major capital projects.
• Drive a collaborative, alliance‑based approach to contract management with Whole Plant Partners and major Tier 1 contractors, fostering strong relationships that support safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery.
• Provide construction‑focused risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring commercial resilience across design, construction and commissioning phases.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle for construction packages—from procurement and mobilisation through to delivery, variations, compensation events and final account.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contractor performance, site progress, cost forecasting and contract compliance.
• Lead the resolution of contractual issues, drawing on expertise in construction law, NEC contract management and multi‑disciplinary stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain full compliance with commercial, legal, health & safety and regulatory frameworks, particularly those governing major construction and infrastructure works.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a cross-functional commercial team supporting construction delivery, including UKIFS colleagues and representatives from Whole Plant Partner organisations.
• Stay abreast of advancements in construction delivery models, digital construction, modern methods of construction (MMC), and large‑scale infrastructure contracting—and embed these insights into programme strategy.
• Promote a collaborative, high‑performance culture across commercial, engineering and construction management teams to support seamless delivery.
• Mentor and coach team members on complex construction commercial matters, NEC processes and supplier performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes, supply chain performance and the effectiveness of contract governance.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers across the construction supply chain, ensuring accountability and alignment to scope, budget and schedule.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the principal point of contact for all contract‑related matters within your IPT, particularly relating to construction and infrastructure delivery.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, construction management and commercial teams to drive contract performance and resolve issues rapidly.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on NEC procedures, construction contract management and best practices in major project delivery.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador for UKIFS, ensuring our values are reflected in all supplier interactions, negotiations and construction partnerships.

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.