Contracts and Commercial Manager Full Time NEW

Shape the future of clean energy infrastructure

Great Britain’s electricity system is evolving at an unprecedented pace – and you could be at the centre of it.

We’re looking for a Contracts & Commercial Manager to help deliver some of the UK’s most critical HVDC infrastructure projects, enabling clean, homegrown energy to move where it’s needed most. This is your opportunity to influence projects of national importance – strengthening energy security and accelerating the transition to Net Zero. In this role, you won’t just manage contracts – you’ll shape how major infrastructure is delivered.

You’ll take ownership of complex, high-value commercial arrangements, driving strategy, navigating regulatory landscapes, and working with delivery partners to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and with long-term value for consumers. From early development through to construction, your decisions will directly influence outcomes on projects that power millions of homes and businesses.

At the heart of this role is Sea Link – a transformative 2GW HVDC link connecting Kent and Suffolk via a primarily offshore route.

As more renewable energy is generated across the UK, existing infrastructure is under increasing pressure. Sea Link will unlock vital network capacity, support offshore wind integration, and play a key role in the largest upgrade of Britain’s electricity network in generations. This is infrastructure at scale – complex, visible, and critical to the UK’s energy future.

This role is primarily based from our London project office, with regular site presence in Suffolk and Kent as construction progresses. We offer hybrid working, with typically 2–3 days per week on site or in the office, giving you flexibility while staying connected to delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end contract and commercial management across major infrastructure projects
• Develop and implement fit-for-purpose contracting strategies
• Drive commercial governance, cost control and value protection throughout the project lifecycle
• Identify and manage commercial risks, ensuring cost positions reflect true exposure
• Support regulatory engagement, including robust cost submissions and market testing
• Partner with procurement to deliver optimal commercial outcomes across price and contractual terms
• Oversee the transition from pre-contract into delivery, ensuring contractual clarity for project teams
• Monitor contractor performance, earned value, and delivery milestones
• Proactively manage risk, issues and disputes, working collaboratively to unlock value
• Build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams, championing a strong safety culture and “Safe to Say” environment

About You

We’re looking for a commercially astute leader with experience across major infrastructure projects. You’ll bring:

• Strong knowledge of contracting frameworks (NEC, FIDIC and bespoke forms)
• Experience across EPC/turnkey, target cost and reimbursable contract models
• Proven capability in commercial risk management across the full project lifecycle
• Expertise in negotiation, cost modelling, reporting, and cost assurance
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, including regulatory, legal and delivery teams
• A collaborative approach – comfortable challenging and being challenged to drive better outcomes
• Experience in HVDC, cables, converters or major civils programmes (desirable)
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel

What You’ll Get

• A competitive salary between £65,000 – £80,000 – dependent on capability.
• An annual performance bonus of up to 30% of your eligible earnings in the performance year.
• 28 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
• The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
• A generous contributory pension scheme – we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave – so long as it’s relevant to your role.
• Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
• Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
• Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.

About Us

National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales.

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.

Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home-grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.

Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

More information

This role closes on 1 June 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.