Commercial Manager (NS&D)

Ocean Infinity; Southampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Infinity is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial and contractual framework underpinning delivery across our Defence & National Security portfolio. You will shape contractual strategy, manage risk, and deliver strong commercial outcomes with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and partners.

In this fast-growing role, you will collaborate with Programme Management, Engineering, Product, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Delivery teams to secure successful programme outcomes

Qualifications

• Experience in defence, aerospace, maritime, or other highly regulated sectors.
• Experience managing contracts, amendments, variations, and change control.
• Familiarity with defence procurement frameworks and export controls is a plus.
• Experience supporting bids, pricing strategies, and commercial models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of MOD customer contracts, ensuring delivery, compliance, and governance.
• Manage contract negotiations, amendments, variations, and change control while protecting commercial value.
• Oversee subcontractor, supplier, and partner agreements with effective risk management.
• Develop commercial frameworks, licensing approaches, and governance processes for scalable growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to secure successful programme outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Assess risk, interpret complex contracts, and support sound business decisions.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment while maintaining compliance.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Regulated sector experience

Job description

Ocean Infinity is seeking a Commercial Manager. The successful candidate will lead the commercial and contractual framework that underpins delivery across our growing Defence & National Security portfolio, ensuring robust governance, effective risk management, and strong commercial outcomes across customer, supplier, subcontractor, and partner relationships.

This is a unique opportunity to join Ocean Infinity at a pivotal stage of growth as we scale delivery of innovative technologies and solutions within the UK defence sector. You will act as the commercial authority across multiple programmes, shaping contractual strategy, protecting value, managing risk, and helping establish the commercial foundations required to support long-term growth.

Working closely with Programme Management, Engineering, Product, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Delivery teams, you will play a critical role in securing successful programme outcomes while helping transform innovative capabilities into scalable, repeatable commercial offerings.

What you will do

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of MOD customer contracts, ensuring successful delivery, compliance, and governance.
• Manage contract negotiations, amendments, variations, and change control while protecting commercial value and programme outcomes.
• Oversee subcontractor, supplier, and partner agreements, ensuring effective flow-down of customer requirements and risk management.
• Develop commercial frameworks, licensing approaches, and governance processes that support scalable growth and repeatable programme delivery.
• An experienced commercial or contract management professional with a background in defence, aerospace, maritime, engineering, or another highly regulated sector.
• A strong negotiator and relationship builder, capable of influencing customers, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Commercially astute with the ability to assess risk, interpret complex contracts, and make sound business decisions.
• Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Given the nature of the work, this role requires you to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK national security clearance. You must be willing and able to undergo the necessary security vetting process, and continued employment in the role may be subject to maintaining the required clearance. Security vetting will be conducted in accordance with the requirements and standards set by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Further information on UK security clearance levels, eligibility, and the vetting process can be found on the UK Government website:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant

Desirable:

• Experience managing contracts with the UK MOD or major defence prime contractors, including knowledge of DEFCONs and defence procurement frameworks.
• Experience developing licensing models, IP strategies, or commercialisation approaches for products and services.
• Familiarity with SSCR, DSPCR, NEC/JCT contract forms, and export control requirements such as ITAR/EAR.
• Experience supporting bids, pricing strategies, commercial models, or programmes within maritime, naval, defence technology, or autonomous systems environments.