Senior Commercialisation Manager / Commercialisation Manager

At Ploughshare, we turn cutting‑edge defence and security research into real‑world solutions. We work with scientists, engineers and innovators to bring new technologies to market through licensing, spin‑out creation and strategic partnerships. Our work is fast‑moving, meaningful and contributes directly to national security, industry growth and wider societal benefit.

As our portfolio continues to expand, we’re looking for Commercialisation Managers and Senior Commercialisation Managers to join our growing team. These roles offer the opportunity to work across a wide range of technologies and support innovations that make a genuine difference. Our four key commercial pillars are: defence and security, health and wellbeing, digital and data, and climate, environment, and sustainability.

The Roles

• Commercialisation Manager: For those early in their commercialisation journey or ready for their next step. You will support the assessment and development of new technologies emerging from defence and security research. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll help evaluate market opportunities, prepare commercial documentation and support licensing and early spin‑out activities. This is a development‑focused role offering strong exposure, growth and increasing autonomy over time.
• Senior Commercialisation Manager: For experienced commercialisation professionals with a strong track record. You will take the lead on complex technology portfolios, managing opportunities from early discovery through to licensing agreements or spin‑out formation. You’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government, industry, academia and investment networks, and act as a key representative for Ploughshare. This role also includes line‑management responsibility, providing day‑to‑day support, coaching and development for Commercialisation Managers (or other team members as required). You will contribute to team capability, help shape priorities and foster a collaborative, high‑performing environment. This role suits someone who can operate independently, exercise sound commercial judgement and steer high‑value commercialisation activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate new technologies and assess potential markets and applications.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify pathways to adoption.
• Prepare value propositions, commercial strategies and early business plans.
• Build strong relationships with inventors, internal colleagues and external partners.
• Support licensing processes, spin‑out‑related activity and post‑deal follow‑up.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to commercial pipeline management.

Additional Senior Responsibilities

• Lead complex portfolios and help set commercial priorities.
• Develop commercial pathways independently and negotiate licensing and spin‑out deals.
• Represent Ploughshare at senior‑level meetings, events and conferences.
• Provide mentoring and direct line‑management to Commercialisation Managers, including coaching, feedback and development support.
• Identify new partnership opportunities and support broader business development.
• Bring informed, confident commercial judgement to organisational decision‑making.

What You will Bring

• Commercialisation Manager: A degree or background in a scientific, engineering or technical field. Ability to understand and communicate technical concepts clearly. Interest in intellectual property, innovation or technology transfer. Strong communication and relationship‑building skills. Good organisation, judgement and willingness to learn. Some exposure to commercialisation, business planning or research environments is helpful.
• Senior Commercialisation Manager: Demonstrated success in delivering licensing deals or forming spinout companies. Experience managing complex technologies or portfolios. Strong knowledge of IP, patents and commercialisation frameworks. Confident negotiation, influencing and presentation skills. Ability to work independently and manage several priorities at once. Experience managing or mentoring colleagues, with the confidence to provide line‑management support. Experience in investment, early‑stage ventures or public‑sector innovation is beneficial.

Our Values

• Client First — We work in genuine partnership with inventors, clients and collaborators, ensuring their needs shape our commercial decisions.
• Lead with Integrity — We are transparent, fair and consistent in everything we do, from negotiations to decision making.
• Pace with Purpose — We move quickly when it matters but never compromise on quality, balancing agility with thoughtful collaboration.
• Grow Together — We encourage curiosity, share knowledge freely and invest in each other’s development. We work as one team with a shared mission.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We know that diversity fuels innovation, and we actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM, commercialisation and defence‑related fields to apply. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, we will support you.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned to experience
• Generous annual leave
• Flexibility and remote‑friendly working
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Professional development and training support
• Life Insurance
• Income Protection
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Health and wellbeing resources
• The opportunity to work on unique, high‑impact technologies with real‑world benefit

Our Recruitment Process

Our typical recruitment process includes an initial conversation with the HR team, followed by a competency‑based interview and a final stage discussion. We keep the process transparent and supportive throughout.

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you but you are not sure you meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We hire for potential as well as experience.