Commercial Strategist

Our Defence & Security business supports the UK Ministry of Defence in the delivery of their capability and objectives via a host of frameworks. The work we do is of international importance in ensuring our National Security and that of our allies, something our team are proud to support. 

People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you would expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our programmes which incorporate matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. 

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly capable, collaborative and adaptable individual to support the successful shaping, set-up and mobilisation of complex bids, projects and programmes. This role is focused on the front end of programme development, helping define the governance, delivery model, procurement strategy, commercial approach, contracting structure and mobilisation arrangements required for successful delivery. The role supports both bid / pursuit activity and live project and programme environments, helping shape the conditions for successful delivery from the outset. 

It is suited to a broad senior programme professional who is comfortable working across commercial, contractual and programme disciplines, but is not defined by any single function. Its value lies in helping programmes get set up coherently, with the right structures, behaviours, controls and interfaces in place from the outset, so that teams can move into delivery with greater clarity and confidence. The successful candidate will work closely with senior programme leadership, clients and key functional teams, providing strategic direction, judgement and practical support across programme initiation, set-up and delivery readiness. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery judgement, be comfortable operating in ambiguity, and be able to translate strategic objectives into workable programme, procurement and contractual arrangements. They will be confident turning their hand to a broad range of front-end programme activities and bringing structure, coherence and momentum to complex environments. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the front-end shaping of major bids, projects and programmes, helping define the governance, delivery model, procurement strategy and contracting approach required for successful delivery.  

• Lead the integration of governance and risk management arrangements to ensure delivery governance and corporate governance are aligned and effective.  

• Develop procurement strategies that reflect the chosen programme delivery model, desired outcomes and overall risk profile.  

• Shape commercial strategies that align programme outcomes, procurement models, financing considerations and contractual mechanisms.  

• Advise on contracting strategy and the use of contractual and commercial mechanisms to promote the right behaviours across client, supply chain and stakeholder environments.  

• Help establish the delivery model and programme structure, including organisational interfaces, design of key teams and practical mobilisation arrangements.  

• Support programme mobilisation, ensuring that governance, roles, interfaces, controls and commercial arrangements are sufficiently developed to enable transition into.

• Provide strategic support on bids and tender processes, helping teams shape approaches, navigate procurement activity and maintain alignment between commercial, governance and delivery requirements.  

• Provide contract management support and advice during delivery, with particular focus on risk mitigation, claims avoidance and pragmatic dispute management.  

• Support organisational, programme and project design, helping establish the right teams, interfaces, roles and responsibilities to deliver intended outcomes.  

• Work across PMO, commercial, procurement, legal, finance, project controls, design, engineering and delivery teams to support coherent programme set-up and execution.  

• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and clients on matters relating to programme initiation, strategic alignment, governance, contracting and delivery readiness.  

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Strong understanding of how programme, commercial, procurement and contractual considerations interact in complex project and programme environments.  

• Experience shaping or advising on governance, procurement strategy, commercial strategy, delivery models and contracting approaches for major projects or programmes.  

• Ability to add greatest value at the front end of bids, projects and programmes, while remaining credible through mobilisation and into delivery.  

• Strong strategic thinking combined with practical judgement and the ability to convert broad objectives into deliverable structures, plans and interfaces.  

• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, evolving or complex environments, bringing clarity, structure and momentum.  

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to influence senior leadership, clients and specialist functions in complex environments.

• A balanced and disciplined approach to risk management, with the judgement to align strategic ambition with delivery practicality.  

• A collaborative, inclusive and delivery-focused style, with the confidence to work across traditional functional boundaries.  

Qualifications & Experience 

• Demonstrable experience providing senior strategic advice in complex programme environments, particularly at the front end of major bids, projects or programmes. 

• Proven experience in one or more of the following areas: programme governance, procurement strategy, commercial strategy, contract strategy, delivery model design, mobilisation or contract management.  

• Experience operating across both bid / pursuit activity and live programme delivery is highly desirable.  

• Experience supporting or advising leadership teams in the set-up and initiation of major programmes, including organisational design, governance and readiness for delivery.  

• Strong understanding of contract management principles, including risk management, claims avoidance and support in handling disputes.  

• Experience of NEC-based contracting or similar forms of contract would be highly advantageous.  

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as engineering, construction, law, commercial management, procurement or programme management.  

• Professional qualifications such as MRICS, APM or legal qualification would be advantageous, though candidates with relevant hybrid experience should also be considered. 

• Demonstrable ability to work in a senior advisory capacity while remaining practical, delivery-focused and outcomes-led.  

Our Culture: 

Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion, and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business, and we genuinely believe that we all succeed by supporting one another through our culture of caring. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.  

We aim to embed inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we are more connected, and if we are diverse, we’re more creative. We accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. This is reflected in our wide range of Global Employee Networks centred on inclusion and diversity. 

We partner with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent. For greater online accessibility, please visit  Promoting Equality & Diversity in Jobs and Career - VERCIDA  to view and access our roles. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.  

Your application experience is important to us and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. We welcome feedback on our recruitment process and if you need more from us before deciding to join us then  please, contact us.