Commercial Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to join the Main Civils & Site Construction team at Hinkley Point C (HPC), supporting the delivery of works associated with the Fairfield Estate Restoration Project. This is a permanent position based on site for a minimum of 3 days per week with 2 days working remotely.

This is a high-profile, fast-paced role responsible for leading the commercial and contractual management of works required to restore the north-west corner of the HPC site, known as the Fairfield Estate. Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial for Main Civils & Site Construction, you will be responsible for ensuring robust commercial management, effective procurement, contractual compliance, and successful project delivery within a highly regulated environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with Main Civils and Site Construction delivery teams, while also interfacing with other HPC programmes to identify, manage and mitigate commercial impacts across the wider project. The role requires regular engagement with senior stakeholders, including the CODEM Board and Fairfield Estate HPC Steering Committee (SteerCo), making it an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial professional seeking exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead all commercial and contract management activities associated with the Fairfield Estate Restoration Project.
• Ensure commercial outcomes are optimised while maintaining full compliance with EDF governance requirements.
• Manage the commercial lifecycle of multiple work packages from procurement through to final account.
• Administer contracts effectively throughout their lifecycle in accordance with established processes, procedures and governance standards.
• Protect the commercial interests of the project while promoting collaborative supplier and stakeholder relationships.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Lead procurement activities for project work packages, including tender preparation, evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
• Procure and place orders in accordance with project, programme and corporate governance requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with contractors, suppliers and delivery partners.
• Support supplier performance management and ensure delivery against contractual obligations.
• Promote best practice procurement and supply chain management across the project.

Change Management & Contract Administration

• Draft, issue and administer contract instructions, contractual correspondence and change controls.
• Assess, negotiate and agree contractor quotations, compensation events and variations.
• Evaluate contractual changes and their associated cost, programme and risk impacts.
• Maintain robust records and documentation to support contractual compliance and governance requirements.
• Support effective dispute avoidance through proactive contract management and stakeholder engagement.

Commercial Performance & Risk Management

• Monitor commercial performance, commitments, forecasts, risks and opportunities across assigned work packages.
• Identify commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with project teams.
• Provide timely analysis and recommendations to project stakeholders to support commercial decision-making.
• Review and challenge contractor submissions and commercial proposals where appropriate.
• Support the delivery of project objectives while maintaining strong commercial controls.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key commercial interface between Main Civils & Site Construction teams and other Hinkley Point C programmes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise regularly with project managers, engineers, project controls teams and senior leadership.
• Provide commercial advice and guidance to project teams to support successful delivery outcomes.
• Influence commercial decisions through robust analysis, negotiation and sound commercial judgement.

Governance & Reporting

• Prepare commercial reports, governance papers and presentations for senior leadership forums.
• Provide regular updates to the CODEM Board and Fairfield Estate HPC Steering Committee (SteerCo).
• Support governance approvals through clear commercial recommendations and supporting documentation.
• Ensure commercial reporting is accurate, timely and aligned with EDF governance requirements.
• Contribute to programme reviews and strategic decision-making activities.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience as a Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, Commercial Lead or Senior Quantity Surveyor within major infrastructure, construction, engineering or energy projects.
• Proven track record of managing complex contracts and multiple work packages simultaneously.
• Strong experience in procurement, contract administration, change management and commercial governance.
• Demonstrable experience assessing and negotiating contractor quotations, compensation events and contractual changes.
• Experience providing commercial support to multidisciplinary project delivery teams.
• Strong understanding of cost forecasting, risk management and commercial performance reporting.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, governance boards and executive-level audiences.
• Background working within regulated industries such as Nuclear, Energy, Utilities, Defence, Rail or Major Infrastructure.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent commercial and contractual management expertise.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with project delivery requirements.
• Highly developed stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare high-quality reports, papers and board presentations.
• Strong commercial judgement and decision-making ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to governance and compliance.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, deadline-driven project environment.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Law, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Professional qualification or chartership (RICS, CICES, MCIPS or equivalent) is desirable.
• Additional commercial, procurement or contract management qualifications would be advantageous.