Defence Commercial Manager - SC Cleared, Hybrid

Meritus; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus is recruiting a Commercial Manager for a defence sector client in Portsmouth on a 6‑month contract with hybrid working (approx. 60% onsite). Active SC clearance is required at application. UK Nationals only.

The role covers preparation, negotiation and management of complex commercial agreements across defence programmes, working with procurement, finance and delivery teams to shape strategy, manage obligations and mitigate risks across the contract lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience in Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager or Commercial Contracts roles.
• Strong contract management and commercial negotiation experience.
• Experience supporting complex bids and competitive tendering.
• Knowledge of defence, government or MOD contracting environments.
• Experience working for a supplier organisation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, negotiate and manage complex commercial agreements across defence programmes.
• Collaborate with programme, procurement, finance and delivery teams to shape commercial strategy.
• Manage contractual obligations and identify/mitigate commercial risks.
• Support complex bids and high‑value contracts throughout the lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships balancing customer expectations with business objectives.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Bids and tendering

Defence contracting

Stakeholder management

Contract lifecycle

Risk management

Project management

Customer relationships

Problem solving

Job description

Meritus is recruiting a Commercial Manager for a defence sector client in Portsmouth on a 6‑month contract with hybrid working (approx. 60% onsite). Active SC clearance is required at application. UK Nationals only.

The role covers preparation, negotiation and management of complex commercial agreements across defence programmes, working with procurement, finance and delivery teams to shape strategy, manage obligations and mitigate risks across the contract lifecycle.