Commercial Manager (SC or DV Cleared)

SC or DV Cleared Commercial Manager/Commercial Lead

Location: Hybrid (UK)
Clearance: Active SC or DV Clearance Required
Contract: Interim/Contract

Overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager/Commercial Lead to support the delivery of innovation, technology and R&D programmes within a highly secure Defence environment.

Working with senior Defence stakeholders, you will provide commercial leadership across complex programmes, helping to deliver capability at pace while maintaining strong governance, value for money and commercial outcomes.

This role requires an individual who can demonstrate experience of operating in fast-moving environments, balancing commercial rigour with the need to accelerate delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activity across innovation, technology and R&D programmes.
• Develop and implement commercial and procurement strategies.
• Manage procurement activities from market engagement through to contract award.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract management activities.
• Provide commercial advice on risk, governance and delivery approaches.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across programme, technical, finance and operational teams.
• Support rapid acquisition and delivery models while maintaining compliance and value for money.
• Manage commercial risks and supplier performance.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in a Commercial Manager, Commercial Lead or equivalent role.
• Strong background within Defence, National Security or Central Government environments.
• Experience delivering commercial outcomes across innovation, technology, digital or R&D programmes.
• Demonstrable examples of delivering at pace within complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience leading procurements, negotiations and contract management activities.
• Strong understanding of public sector procurement and commercial governance.

Desirable Experience

• Defence acquisition or capability delivery programmes.
• Emerging technology, digital transformation or innovation projects.
• Agile procurement and rapid acquisition approaches.
• Supplier relationship and performance management.

Qualifications

Ideally candidates will hold one or more of the following:

• MCIPS/CIPS Level 5 or 6
• Government Commercial Function accreditation
• World Commerce & Contracting (formerly IACCM)
• PRINCE2 Practitioner
• MSP Practitioner
• APM PMQ

Key Skills

• Commercial Leadership
• Procurement & Contract Management
• Supplier Negotiation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Commercial Risk Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Delivery Focus

Security Requirements

Active SC or DV Clearance is essential.

Candidates must currently hold valid UK SC or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and be comfortable operating within highly secure environments.