Head of Commercial

UK Atomic Energy Authority

Head of Commercial

Salary - £79,638 plus £5k if MCIPS qualified

Location - Abingdon, Culham Campus, Oxfordshire

Hybrid working- minimum 3 days per week in the office

Fusion is Coming, Help make it a reality!

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is forging a path towards sustainable nuclear energy, positioning the UK as a leader in fusion energy research. It’s an exciting time to be working in the world of fusion, as tangible progress is made towards using the process that powers our sun and stars as a safe, sustainable, low carbon and abundant energy source here on Earth.

Predominantly funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), UKAEA has a broad range of initiatives underway to make fusion a reality, all focused on achieving their mission to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefits. These range from robotics and material research for use in operating a fusion reactor, to the creation of the world's first prototype fusion energy plant under the subsidiary of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS).

The Head of Commercial role is pivotal in supporting UKAEA to achieve this important agenda. The postholder will be responsible for a team of approx. 30 staff, working to the Commercial Director. The role has responsibility for ensuring the Commercial team, is effective and compliant in the delivery of service to the business, providing solutions to the first of a kind technology we are looking to procure and so in turn that enables the organisation to deliver its mission.

Reporting into the Commercial Director, you will be responsible for:

• Managing the Commercial Department including setting targets and monitoring performance and for ensuring the organisation has the resource capabilities including training, development, succession planning to support the Operational delivery for UKAEA.
• All aspects of procurement and commercial issues for UKAEA within Operational areas, supporting growth and development. The value of external spend exceeding £200M per annum. Ensuring full legal compliance in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the upcoming Procurement Act 2023.
• Controlling the overall commercial procurement strategy and actively developing and implementing as appropriate to deliver the key strategies which operate at UKAEA. Ensuring close liaison and compliance with DESNZ Commercial Team and Cabinet Office requirements.
• Owning, leading, maintaining and pro-actively improving the commercial systems, protocols, templates and procedures within the Procurement team.
• Providing commercial advice on all aspects of procurement and commercial contracts and taking full responsibility. Leading on all decision making in this area and advises and informs the Director of Procurement of all Key decisions in support of the function.

UKAEA is at the cutting edge in a new world of sustainable energy that will be vital for the future of our planet. On top of being part of this, UKAEA also offers a range of benefits, including a favourable final salary-defined pension scheme (21.5% employer contribution), 25 days leave and Christmas break, as well as a range of discounts and perks. A full list of benefits can be found on the UKAEA website, linked in the candidate pack.

To succeed in this role, you must have extensive public sector procurement experience at a senior level. Strong leadership, engagement and influencing skills are paramount to ensure robust relationships are developed both internally and externally across a wide range of stakeholders.

To apply for this position, please submit a supporting statement and CV to UKAEA@allenlane.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 6th October.

For an informal conversation, or for further information on the role, please contact Robert Waugh at Allen Lane on 07921 336 648 and robertwaugh@allenlane.co.uk