Commercial Support
What do Commercial Support STAFF do?
Commercial Support professionals in the nuclear industry play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of various commercial activities within nuclear facilities. Commercial support can include a massive range of tasks and responsibilities and the role often exists under different names.
Typical duties and responsibilities of Commercial Support Staff
- Assisting in the procurement process by preparing and issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating vendor proposals and negotiating contracts.
- Developing and maintaining key relationships externally to the company to pursue opportunities to grow the business through different methods for example selling a product or service or partnering with another company to work on an aligned goal.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders, such as project managers and finance teams, to ensure alignment with project goals and financial regulations.
- Providing administrative and operational support to the commercial department, which participates in procurement, contracts, budgeting, and other financial aspects of nuclear projects.
Skills and knowledge required to work in Commercial Support
- Proficient in organisational skills and multitasking, adept at efficiently managing multiple tasks.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining commercial records and financial data.
- Fundamental grasp of commercial principles and practices, including procurement processes and contract management.
- Skilled in collaborative teamwork and adaptable to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
How Can I Work in Commercial Support?
University
Consider pursuing a degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. While not specifically tailored to the nuclear industry, these degrees provide a solid foundation in commercial principles and practices. After obtaining a degree, you could seek entry-level positions or graduate schemes in the commercial departments of nuclear companies and gradually progress to higher-level roles in Commercial Support.
Apprenticeship
Some nuclear companies offer apprenticeship programmes designed specifically for roles in Commercial Support. These programmes provide on-the-job training and formal education, allowing you to earn a salary while learning the necessary skills and gaining experience in the field. Keep an eye out for apprenticeship opportunities offered by nuclear companies or industry organisations.
Working towards the role
If you are currently working in a different role within the nuclear industry, such as administrative support or project coordination, you can transition into Commercial Support by acquiring relevant skills and experience on the job. Seek opportunities to take on commercial responsibilities within your current role, volunteer for projects involving procurement or budget management and express your interest in transitioning to Commercial Support to your supervisors or HR department.
It is important to note that no prior knowledge or experience in the nuclear industry is required before joining as it is a common expectation for entry-level positions.
