Commercial Manager

JOB TITLE: COMMERCIAL MANAGER

REPORTS TO: COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT: COMMERCIAL

MSI‑Defence Systems Limited is a UK defence company with a rich heritage in the design and delivery of naval weapon systems. We are trusted by our global customer‑base to provide high‑integrity, mission‑critical solutions that fulfil the most challenging operational requirements. The company combines deep engineering expertise with disciplined project delivery to support complex, long‑term contracts in highly assured environments.

MSI‑Defence Systems has entered an exciting phase of sustained growth. Building on its strong foundation, the business has expanded its capabilities into land‑based systems, applying the same structured engineering, manufacturing, and commercial disciplines that underpin its success. Continued investment in people, processes, and facilities enables the company to take on increasingly complex work while preserving the values that have earned customer trust.

As MSI‑DS continues to grow, the Commercial team plays a key role in safeguarding value, managing risk, and enabling sustainable business performance across complex projects.

The Commercial Manager is responsible for leading the commercial performance and contractual management of a portfolio of projects and bids. Acting as a trusted commercial partner, the role provides insight, challenge, and assurance across contractual, financial, and risk matters.

The Commercial Manager supports the development and implementation of commercial strategy, translating strategic direction into clear commercial plans and actions at project and contract level.

The primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Lead commercial management of projects and bids
• Support development and implementation of commercial strategy
• Lead negotiations including contractual change and variations
• Manage commercial risk and opportunity at programme level
• Oversee pricing, margin protection and payment structures
• Draft various contracts and agreements including agent agreements, distribution/reseller agreements, collaboration agreements, consultancy agreements, NDAs, MoUs, supply and service contracts and aftermarket/support agreements
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to generate flow‑down supplier agreements and sub‑contracts, and lead the negotiation of these with suppliers and sub‑contractors
• Manage and oversee due diligence activities on customers and partners
• Oversee and improve commercial processes and performance metrics
• Any other such duties that may be reasonably compatible with the nature and scope of the role

We are looking for an experienced, commercial professional comfortable influencing outcomes and managing complexity across multiple projects.

• 5 years+ commercial or contract management experience
• End‑to‑end lifecycle management of contracts and negotiations, including with UK MoD, prime contractors and overseas customers
• Provision of expert advice to the business on commercial and contractual matters
• Resolution of disputes and claims
• Programme‑level risk, pricing and margin management
• Strong understanding of contract law
• Working knowledge of defence contracting (inc. DEFCONs, US FARs and DFARs)
• UK and US export controls

• Drafting and negotiation of complex and bespoke agreements
• Commercial risk and opportunity management
• Strong financial and pricing awareness
• Ability to implement commercial strategy

• Degree educated (essential), preferably in law, business, or engineering related subjects
• World of Commerce & Contracting or CIPS accreditation desirable

• Commercially astute and pragmatic
• Confident influencer
• Comfortable managing and overseeing processes
• Develops others and improves capability

• Desk based role
• Working as part of the commercial team advising all aspects of business on commercial matters and compliance with trade legislation
• Working within a strict time and quality framework
• Occasional UK and overseas travel

• Project Managers
• BD and Bid Managers
• Supply Chain Managers
• Customers
• Suppliers
• Agents and Distributors
• External Counsel and advisors