The posting
If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
Commercial Lead – Major Estates and Infrastructure
Contract Delivery Lead | Senior Leadership Role
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Package: Competitive leadership salary depending on experience, performance related bonus, flexible benefit scheme. Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day.
This role is eligible for hybrid working, meaning employees typically spend three days on site in a long week and two days on site in a short week. We support flexible working where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, so please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working arrangement when you apply.
Lead the commercial delivery of one of the UK’s most complex operational estates
At AWE, our work helps keep the nation safe. We are seeking an experienced commercial leader to oversee contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds annually across estate maintenance, utilities, asset renewal, enabling works, demolition and infrastructure investment.
Leading four Principal Contract Managers and their wider teams, you will work with executive stakeholders, senior programme leaders and strategic suppliers to shape delivery, investment and commercial outcomes across the estate. This is a highly visible role with significant organisational influence and exposure to some of AWE's most important infrastructure decisions.
Why this opportunity is different
Few commercial leadership roles offer the opportunity to:
- Lead the commercial delivery of a nationally important operational estate supporting the UK’s defence and security mission
- Influence major infrastructure, investment and renewal decisions across the full asset lifecycle
- Shape commercial outcomes across a diverse infrastructure and engineering supply chain
- Work alongside senior leaders on some of AWE’s most significant infrastructure priorities, providing a strong platform for further leadership progression
Let us introduce the role
Reporting to the Commercial Contract Delivery Director, you will be accountable for the commercial performance, governance and strategic management of a major Estates & Liabilities portfolio, ensuring value is delivered, risk is proactively managed and commercial outcomes support long-term business objectives. You will help shape the commercial arrangements that maintain today's operational estate while enabling the investment and infrastructure programmes that will define its future.
What you’ll be doing
As Contract Delivery Lead, you will:
- Set the commercial direction, priorities and performance expectations for a strategically important Estates & Liabilities portfolio
- Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximise value, improve performance and effectively manage risk
- Provide robust commercial oversight of contractual obligations, performance measures, change management, claims, disputes, financial mechanisms and governance requirements
- Partner with engineering, operational and programme leaders to translate investment priorities into deliverable commercial strategies
- Lead complex negotiations and provide strategic direction on major commercial and contractual decisions
- Lead AWE's commercial relationships with strategic suppliers, strengthening performance, accountability and long-term value
- Develop the capability, performance and succession strength of a sizeable commercial organisation led through four Principal Contract Managers and their wider teams
- Champion commercial governance, assurance and decision-making across a complex and evolving portfolio
What we’re looking for
You are likely to bring several of the following:
- Significant experience leading commercial teams across major infrastructure, estates, utilities or capital investment portfolios
- A track record of developing commercial strategy, leading complex negotiations and improving outcomes in high-value contracting environments
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and commercial decisions in complex organisations
- Strong commercial, contractual and risk expertise gained in infrastructure, defence, nuclear, energy or another regulated sector
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience; professional membership of RICS, CICES or a similar body would be advantageous
We value experience, judgement and leadership capability above any single career path. If the opportunity excites you but you do not meet every requirement, we would still encourage you to apply.
You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role.
Our commitment
At AWE, we recognise that exceptional leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries. If you believe you can make a significant contribution to our mission, we would welcome your application.
Work hard, be rewarded; our work truly matters.
In return, we offer:
- 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
- Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
- Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
#LI-RS1
#LI-Hybrid
Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:
- We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
- You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
- We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
