Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• 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 equality and being fully inclusive

The salary for this role is £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 - Market Premium Payment (MPP) which is non-pensionable).

Job Description

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Contract Manager Lead , you will play a pivotal role in to oversee our real-time interface and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers for UKAEA. This role involves managing strategic partnerships to ensure mutual interests are met and contractual obligations are fulfilled. You will be responsible for contract management across the organization, providing guidance and support to UKAEA, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness in a dynamic industry.

Key responsibilities include ensuring up-to-date and accurate documentation, managing delivery verification, and executing varied tasks related to contract enforcement. You'll need strong communication skills, the ability to prioritize effectively, and work both independently and as part of a team.

This position offers an engaging and challenging opportunity for those dedicated to excelling in contract and commercial management, requiring participation in both unsupervised administrative tasks and collaborative meetings with senior commercial team members.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Lead and support key aspects of project delivery and continuous improvement in contract management for UKAEA, focusing on enhancing processes and compliance with standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain robust relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of commitments and optimal operational and financial outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and manage tools and reporting systems for contract management across UKAEA programs, including creating a contract management toolkit and regular performance dashboards.
• Engage with stakeholders to improve service delivery and drive business outcomes, leveraging commercial expertise to innovate and optimize contractual arrangements.
• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of contract managers, supporting their professional development and ensuring adherence to public sector and governmental standards.
• Serve as a central point of contact for advancing contract management practices within UKAEA, collaborating with key internal teams and championing strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Working towards or currently MCIPS qualified.
• Accreditation (or enrolled) to the Contract Management Capability Programme. Equivalent accreditations considered.
• Good knowledge of Supplier Management (Supplier Relationship, Performance & Risk Management).
• Awareness of Public Contracts Regulations (2015).
• Good strategic procurement knowledge and experience.
• Commercially astute, customer focused & excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good negotiation skills with some understanding of NEC form of Contract.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be a good team player with ability to work effectively as part of the Group Procurement Team.

Desirable:

• MCIPS Qualified.
• Contract management qualification.
• Contract Management Tools expertise (eg CEMAR).
• Line management experience.

Additional Information

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

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. 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 organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.