Commercial Manager (NS&D) in Southampton

We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don't believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don't stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there's definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea.

We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level. Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry. We are not your average workplace.

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.

Who you are:

• 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.

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.

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).

Salary: The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.

What you can expect:

At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.