Commercial Manager

Are you a seasoned commercial leader with a passion for the defence sector? This role offers a unique chance to shape and lead the commercial function of a major defence programme. As the programme enters its mobilisation phase, your expertise will be crucial in establishing the commercial model, governance, project pipeline, and supply chain arrangements. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a high-stakes environment.

In this senior commercial leadership role, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary programme team, including the Framework Director, Delivery Manager, Project Controls Manager, client commercial teams, and strategic suppliers. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the commercial and financial position is robust, visible, and well-managed as the programme progresses into multiple project task orders and long-term execution.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the commercial function through mobilisation and into steady-state delivery.
• Own contract administration and commercial governance across the framework and project task orders.
• Lead task-order pricing, negotiation, and commercial agreement, ensuring a robust commercial proposition.
• Manage the commercial and financial position across the portfolio, including cost and value, revenue, margin, cash, accruals, commercial forecasting, and commercial risk.
• Ensure NEC3/NEC4 processes, notices, records, compensation events, and commercial decisions are timely, accurate, and auditable.
• Lead supplier and subcontract commercial strategy, including terms, risk allocation, and commercial performance.
• Maintain one reconciled position with Project Controls and Finance.
• Lead and develop the commercial team, providing clear commercial advice and challenge to programme and project leadership.

Skills and experience:

• Senior commercial or quantity surveying experience within defence, nuclear, infrastructure, energy, or another highly regulated sector.
• Typically 15+ years of relevant experience across complex, high-value projects, programmes, or frameworks.
• Strong practical knowledge of NEC3/NEC4, including change control, compensation events, and contract administration.
• Proven experience in task-order or project pricing, commercial forecasting, margin, cash, and commercial risk management.
• Experience leading commercial teams and managing major subcontract and supply chain packages.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline; Chartered status or equivalent professional accreditation is strongly preferred.

Security Requirements:

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK Government security clearance. Regular attendance at secure client locations within the Reading area will be required. Initially, candidates will need to obtain SC level clearance, with the potential requirement for DV clearance.

If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, apply now to become an integral part of a major defence programme. Your expertise will be pivotal in driving the commercial success of this high-profile initiative.