Commercial Lead (Defence & Security)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

WSP Defence and Security is seeking a Commercial Lead to provide commercial leadership across a portfolio of complex infrastructure projects in the UK. The role is initially focused on a major programme in the North West of England and will grow with a diverse portfolio.

You’ll drive commercial excellence while balancing client needs, people priorities and operational performance. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage contracts (NEC4/CEMAR), and develop future talent while ensuring

Qualifications

• Qualifications with strong commercial and contract management expertise.
• Proven experience leading Defence and Security projects.
• Ability to coach Programme/Project leadership on tools and processes.

Responsibilities

• Bring extensive commercial experience across complex infrastructure projects, from feasibility to delivery.
• Act as a senior leader and trusted advisor, interfacing with clients and building relationships.
• Work with Defence and Security and WSP leadership to plan and resource projects.
• Anticipate future resource needs and support recruitment of required skills.
• Demonstrate commitment to people development and growing future leaders.
• Use leadership and communication skills to build internal and external networks.
• Lead with energy to address complex commercial challenges with clear direction.
• Champion robust systems to ensure value, cost controls and targets.
• Support major bids and opportunities, contributing to wider business initiatives.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Contract management

Stakeholder management

People management

Bid management / work winning

Defence and security sector experience

NEC4 contracts knowledge

Education

Professional qualifications in contract management

Tools

NEC4 contracts

CEMAR

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

Our Defence and Security business is seeking a Commercial Lead to provide commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of complex infrastructure projects. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, the role plays a key part in delivering major programmes for clients. Initially working on a major programme in the North West of England the role will grow alongside a diverse portfolio of work. The role is central to embedding a strong project culture built on commercial excellence, while balancing client needs, people priorities and strong operational performance. Success will come through collaboration, sound judgement and a practical, solutions‑focused approach to the challenges inherent in complex infrastructure delivery. We’ll be looking for someone who brings genuine passion for their work, a constructively challenging mindset and a clear commitment to openness, accountability and integrity. A tenacious approach to problem‑solving, continuous improvement and inclusive, respectful behaviours will be essential in building trust and credibility with both clients and colleagues. While the focus is firmly commercial, you will be required to demonstrate broad business capability, including experience of technical issues, people management, the effective use of corporate systems, work winning, recruitment and the development of future talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring extensive commercial experience across complex infrastructure projects, from initial feasibility through to delivery and operational stages.
• Act as a senior leader and trusted advisor, serving as a key interface with clients and building strong, long‑term relationships grounded in confidence and credibility.
• Work in close partnership with Defence and Security and wider WSP leadership to ensure projects are well planned, resourced and positioned to deliver successfully.
• Anticipate future resource needs, supporting the recruitment of the skills required to meet the demands of our digital future.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to people development, helping to identify, support and grow the next generation of commercial leaders.
• Use proven leadership and communication skills to build effective internal and external networks, strengthening trust, gathering insight and supporting future work winning.
• Lead with energy and clarity, bringing together diverse, multidisciplinary teams to address complex commercial challenges and provide clear strategic commercial direction.
• Champion robust systems and processes to ensure projects deliver value for money while meeting client objectives, cost controls and programme targets.
• Contribute beyond project delivery by supporting major bids, engaging with clients on upcoming opportunities and playing an active role in wider business initiatives.

What We Would Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Relevant professional qualifications with strong commercial and contract management expertise. As a minimum practitioner level ability with the NEC4 suite of contracts and also CONTRACTS (formally CEMAR)
• Proven experience providing commercial and project leadership across complex Defence and Security projects through design and construction.
• Experienced in managing multi‑disciplinary engineering projects and programmes, with an inclusive leadership style and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and project teams.
• The ability to act as commercial subject matter expert supporting, coaching and guiding Programme and Project leadership on the effective use of collaborative commercial and contract tools.
• Commercially astute, with a deep understanding of major client needs and the ability to tailor services and build trusted partnerships.
• A structured, logical problem‑solver, confident operating in complex and ambiguous environments.
• Strong knowledge of H&S legislation, CDM, Defence and Security secure ways of working. IncludingSafe/Secure by Design principles and their impact on project delivery.
• A working knowledge of export controls in a defence or nuclear context.
• Committed to continuous improvement, knowledge‑sharing and developing future engineers and project leaders.
• Forward‑thinking and opportunity‑focused, contributing to business development, work winning, sustainability and net‑zero ambitions.
• Hold a recognised level of UK security clearance or be eligible to apply for it.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.