Commercial Analyst

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. 

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey. 

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from: 

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found below. 
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible). 
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,  
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities 
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive 

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/  

The salary for this role is £32,903.

This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, with flexibility change working patterns to attend onsite meetings. 

For more information on UKIFS, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf 

The Commercial Analyst provides essential support to the commercial and contract management function within an Integrated Project Team (IPT), contributing to the wider STEP programme.

Working under the guidance and supervision of more senior commercial colleagues, the role supports the day-to-day administration and monitoring of contracts, helping to ensure that contractual obligations are met, risks are identified early, and commercial processes are followed accurately and consistently. This role is suitable for an individual developing their commercial skillset and professional competence within a complex, regulated environment.

Contract Administration & Commercial Support

• Support the drafting, review, and administration of commercial contracts such as supply, construction, service, and framework agreements within the IPT.
• Assist senior colleagues in ensuring contract terms are accurately reflected, documented, and administered in line with project objectives and governance requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate commercial and contractual records, ensuring information is filed, tracked, and retrievable.
• Support post-contract commercial activities, including:

o Early warning and change control processes

o Cost tracking and forecasting data preparation

o Payment administration and verification

o Identify potential commercial risks or issues and escalate these appropriately to senior colleagues.

o Assist with the preparation of periodic contract and cost reports for internal stakeholders.

Performance Monitoring & Data Management

• Collect, analyse, and maintain commercial data to support effective contract management and performance monitoring.
• Help ensure contractor performance information is accurate and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support audits, reviews, and assurance activities by providing accurate commercial information when required.
• Use commercial systems and tools effectively to maintain high-quality data standards.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the IPT, contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and professional team environment.
• Build effective working relationships with suppliers, contractors, and delivery partners, under the guidance of senior commercial staff.
• Support the preparation of contract-related presentations, briefing materials, and meeting packs.
• Attend contract and commercial meetings as required, producing clear and accurate records of discussions and actions.
• Demonstrate organisational values and professional behaviours in all interactions, acting as a positive representative of the organisation.

Embody a Leadership Mindset

• Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours.  You embrace and embody our organization's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.

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.

We are looking for a highly organised and detail-driven contract professional with a background in contract administration, procurement, or commercial operations. 

Essential Skills & Experience: 

• Studying towards or willing to work towards membership of:

o Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS), or

o Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

o Alternative recognised Commercial accreditation.

• Some experience in a commercial, contract administration, procurement, or finance-related role.
• Strong attention to detail with good organisational and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Experience: 

• Experience in a project-based or regulated environment.
• Exposure to public sector or infrastructure programmes.
• Awareness of UK public sector commercial or governance frameworks.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and 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. 

UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] 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.  

This vacancy is set to close for applications on Monday the 8th of June.

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