Programme Commercial Manager

About the role

The Lead Commercial Manager is a senior commercial leader accountable for the definition and delivery of commercial strategy across one or more Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), ensuring alignment to the overall STEP programme commercial model and long-term delivery objectives. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and acts as a senior commercial authority, shaping programme-wide approaches to contracting, risk allocation, and supply chain strategy within a First-of-a-kind, highly complex infrastructure programme. The post holder will provide strategic commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle, from early market engagement and procurement strategy development through to contract delivery, optimisation, and closeout. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role provides expert commercial leadership across the full project lifecycle - from cost planning and procurement through to final account agreement. The post holder will work closely with finance, programme and technical colleagues, representing commercial in a quad governance arrangement accountable for the successful execution of the IPTs objectives. Relationships will need to be built and maintained with internal stakeholders, external partners, and key suppliers to ensure the successful execution of contracts, with a focus on alliancing, collaborative working, and delivering business objectives. This position is pivotal to ensuring that the programme achieves the tactical objectives of the IPT contributing to the strategic success of the STEP programme. The role holder will be accountable for the oversight of a portfolio of contracts within their area, acting as the STEP commercial representative on strategic, high value and/or complex contracts and delegating authority to Commercial Managers where appropriate to do so. The role is integral to a quad governance arrangement and is accountable not only for IPT outcomes but also for influencing and assuring commercial coherence across the wider STEP programme. The role holder will: Lead the commercial function within their IPT Influence cross-IPT commercial decision-making and contribute to programme-wide commercial frameworks and governance Represent commercial at senior internal and external forums, including executive and government stakeholders Shape innovative commercial delivery solutions to support the successful delivery of a first-of-a-kind fusion programme Accountability 1: Pre-contract and Procurement Provide expert leadership in the development of rocurment and contractracting strategies for complex contracts. Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contractual arrangements, including joint ventures, alliancing models, major construction and infrastructure argreements including but not limited to joint venture agreements, supply contracts, construction agreements, and service contracts, specific to the IPT. Define and influence commercial strategies that align IPT delivery with overall programme objectives and long-term commercial models Develop innovative commercial solutions in areas where limited precedent exists, reflecting the novel nature of fusion delivery Ensure contract terms reflect programme risk appetite, regulatory frameworks, and commercial objectives Establish and oversee robust commercial risk identification and mitigation strategies Accountability 2: Cost Management & Commercial Control Lead the commercial and cost strategy for major portfolios of construction and infrastructure contracts in the IPT, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance. Ensure integration of cost strategies across multiple contracts and delivery partners to optimise programme-level outcomes Provide strategic oversight and commercial leadership in the management of: Cost planning and cost breakdown structures Target costs and commercial incentive models (e.g pain/gain) Forecasts, cashflows, and earned value metrics Advise senior stakeholders on commercial implications of strategic programme decisions, including scope evolution, delivery models, and investment decisions Maintain accountability for cost management within governance thresholds while influencing programme affordability and value for money Accountability 3: Measurement, Valuation & Change Control When acting as commercial representative on a strategic contract, ensure change is being managed effectively i.e. properly instructed, valued, negotiated, and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms (e.g. NEC). Be accountable for ensuring that value for money, robustness, and contractual compliance is maintained and demonstrable on all contracts within the IPT. Support direct reports in reaching agreement on final accounts and ensure timely, controlled contract close‑out. Drive alignment of change control practices across IPTs to support programme consistency and auditability Accountability 4: Contract Management Shape and influence the development of programme-w

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Company Intel

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