Commercial Manager - Nuclear

External Title: Commercial Manager - Nuclear

Location: Bridgwater, Somerset

About Vulcain Engineering

Vulcain Engineering, an international engineering consultancy, supports global industrial leaders in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future. We support our customers in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of their complex infrastructure projects that will shape the world of tomorrow. With operations in 17 countries and employing over 6,000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by delivering high-value engineering expertise tailored to our clients’ most complex challenges.

In the UK, we have a key focus in the Nuclear sector, contributing to ground breaking projects, such as Hinkley Point C (HPC).

The Position: Commercial Manager

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to support the commercial delivery of major contracts and work packages on the Hinkley Point C programme.

This is a strategic and highly influential role within a multi-billion-pound nuclear new build environment, requiring an individual with strong commercial acumen, exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering successful commercial outcomes on large-scale infrastructure, energy or construction projects.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring robust commercial governance, contract administration, cost control and risk management across a portfolio of high-value contracts, while supporting project teams in achieving programme objectives safely, efficiently and compliantly.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Commercial Manager will include:

• Lead the commercial management of major engineering and construction contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Administer and manage contracts operating under NEC3, NEC4 and FIDIC forms of contract.
• Provide strategic commercial advice and support to project leadership teams and key stakeholders.
• Manage compensation events, variations, claims and change control processes to protect project value.
• Review and negotiate commercial terms during procurement and tendering activities.
• Monitor contractor performance, contract compliance and commercial deliverables.
• Lead commercial risk identification, mitigation and resolution activities.
• Develop and maintain cost forecasting, budgeting and reporting processes.
• Support dispute avoidance and dispute resolution activities where required.
• Build strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, delivery teams and senior client stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate commercial records, contractual correspondence and governance controls are maintained.
• Support contract close-out activities and the capture of lessons learned across the programme.

This opportunity offers the chance to make a significant contribution to one of the UK's most important infrastructure projects while working alongside industry-leading nuclear and engineering professionals in a highly regulated environment.

Preferred Profile:

Alongside a commitment to our values of Care & Compassion, Performance, Team Spirit, and Inclusiveness, we are looking for individuals who can bring the following:

• Significant Commercial Management experience within Nuclear, Energy, Utilities, Infrastructure, Defence or major construction environments.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC3, NEC4 and FIDIC contracts.
• Proven experience managing high-value engineering, construction or EPC contracts.
• Extensive understanding of commercial risk, change control, claims and dispute management.
• Experience supporting procurement, tendering and contract award activities.
• Strong cost management, forecasting and commercial reporting capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge contractor submissions where required.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Law or a related discipline.
• Chartered status with RICS, CICES or equivalent professional body desirable.
• Applications are welcomed from professionals currently working as Senior Commercial Managers, Commercial Managers, Commercial Leads, Senior Quantity Surveyors (SQS), Managing Quantity Surveyors (MQS), Contract Managers and Commercial Contracts Managers with demonstrable NEC3, NEC4 and/or FIDIC contract experience.
• Reside locally to Somerset/South West UK or be willing to relocate, as this permanent onsite role does not include travel expense coverage.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on role criticality and project needs. Many of our UK projects require high-level security clearance, meaning we can often only consider candidates with an existing, indefinite right to work in the UK. Exceptionally, we may consider visa sponsorship for applicants with niche experience aligned to our core work (e.g. EPR/nuclear new build).

Remuneration & Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background. Whether you're earlier in your career or bring more senior-level expertise, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your skills, or if you're open to discussing other opportunities within this discipline.

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with the ability to swap bank holidays for cultural or religious celebrations
• Matched Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Neonatal Care Leave
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training & Development, including additional qualifications and accreditations relevant to your role
• Travel Insurance – for both business and personal travel
• Employee Assistance Programme

Why join us?

At Vulcain Engineering, we offer more than just a job, we offer a rewarding career with endless opportunities for growth and development. You'll be part of a talented team of professionals working on exciting and meaningful projects and making a real impact to the nuclear industry.

We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your talents are valued, and your contributions are recognised.

Join us in shaping the future of the nuclear industry and driving innovation to new heights. If you are ready to take on new challenges and unlock your full potential, we invite you to apply for our position.

Equal Opportunities:

Vulcain Engineering UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.