Commercial Officer in Portsmouth

An exciting opportunity for a Commercial Officer to join the KBS Commercial team has arisen, working in a collaborative and partnership‑driven environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the efficient contracting and delivery of Infrastructure Projects, ensuring the successful delivery of prime contract obligations to the Ministry of Defence at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Acting as a commercial advisor, the officer will provide guidance to colleagues and delivery teams, helping them understand contractual obligations and ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Commercial Manager in securing funding
• Preparing proposals
• Developing Task Approval Forms (TAFs) for submission to the MoD
• Proactive management of tasks requiring customer approval
• Monitoring contract performance against KPIs
• Overseeing change requests and contract administration from both the MoD and Suppliers
• Supporting cross‑functional coordination and data collation for informed decision‑making
• Participation in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes

The ideal candidate will understand the commercial role within a Defence Infrastructure environment. An understanding of UK Defence Industry Terms and Conditions is beneficial, to support navigation of contractual frameworks and obligations. Candidates should be educated to degree level or have subsequent experience in a relevant discipline such as engineering, law, or business. Professional certifications such as WCC/IACCM Foundation or CIPS are desirable, reflecting a commitment to commercial excellence and industry best practice.

These qualifications, combined with hands‑on experience, will support effective contract management and stakeholder engagement across a complex and high‑profile operational setting.

You’ll be able to demonstrate strong commercial acumen and financial awareness, with an understanding of UK Defence terms and conditions, including DEFCONs. You’ll also be confident working both independently and as part of a wider team, bringing excellent interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and build effective working relationships across functions. Exceptional communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential, including the ability to influence, produce clear reports, and deliver engaging presentations. Strong organisational capabilities will support effective time and task management, while a proactive, can‑do attitude will ensure challenges are met with energy, resilience, and a focus on delivering results.

You’ll get:

• A competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Group income protection
• Flexible parental benefits (if applicable)
• Access to our Internal employee assistance network
• Continued professional career development
• Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme)
• Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services
• 50% off entry into the Historic Dockyard

Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date of 14th November 2025 with a view of interviews scheduled to commence week commencing 17th November 2025. For all queries, please contact the Recruitment Team in the first instance who will advise accordingly.

At KBS Maritime, we’re not just another company - we’re an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy. By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK’s National Defence and Security.

We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed.