Commercial Lead (Defence & Security) in Leeds

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

Our Defence and Security business is seeking a Commercial Lead to provide commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of complex infrastructure projects. Working alongside multi‑disciplinary teams, the role plays a key part in delivering major programmes for clients. Initially working on a major programme in the North West of England the role will grow alongside a diverse portfolio of work.

The role is central to embedding a strong project culture built on commercial excellence, while balancing client needs, people priorities and strong operational performance. Success will come through collaboration, sound judgement and a practical, solutions‑focused approach to the challenges inherent in complex infrastructure delivery.

We’ll be looking for someone who brings genuine passion for their work, a constructively challenging mindset and a clear commitment to openness, accountability and integrity. A tenacious approach to problem‑solving, continuous improvement and inclusive, respectful behaviours will be essential in building trust and credibility with both clients and colleagues.

While the focus is firmly commercial, you will be required to demonstrate broad business capability, including experience of technical issues, people management, the effective use of corporate systems, work winning, recruitment and the development of future talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring extensive commercial experience across complex infrastructure projects, from initial feasibility through to delivery and operational stages.
• Act as a senior leader and trusted advisor, serving as a key interface with clients and building strong, long‑term relationships grounded in confidence and credibility.
• Work in close partnership with Defence and Security and wider WSP leadership to ensure projects are well planned, resourced and positioned to deliver successfully.
• Anticipate future resource needs, supporting the recruitment of the skills required to meet the demands of our digital future.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to people development, helping to identify, support and grow the next generation of commercial leaders.
• Use proven leadership and communication skills to build effective internal and external networks, strengthening trust, gathering insight and supporting future work winning.
• Lead with energy and clarity, bringing together diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams to address complex commercial challenges and provide clear strategic commercial direction.
• Champion robust systems and processes to ensure projects deliver value for money while meeting client objectives, cost controls and programme targets.
• Contribute beyond project delivery by supporting major bids, engaging with clients on upcoming opportunities and playing an active role in wider business initiatives.

What we would be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Relevant professional qualifications with strong commercial and contract management expertise. As a minimum practitioner level ability with the NEC4 suite of contracts and also CONTRACTS (formally CEMAR)
• Proven experience providing commercial and project leadership across complex Defence and Security projects through design and construction.
• Experienced in managing multi‑disciplinary engineering projects and programmes, with an inclusive leadership style and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and project teams.
• The ability to act as commercial subject matter expert supporting, coaching and guiding Programme and Project leadership on the effective use of collaborative commercial and contract tools.
• Commercially astute, with a deep understanding of major client needs and the ability to tailor services and build trusted partnerships.
• A structured, logical problem‑solver, confident operating in complex and ambiguous environments.
• Strong knowledge of H&S legislation, CDM, Defence and Security secure ways of working. IncludingSafe/Secure by Design principles and their impact on project delivery.
• A working knowledge of export controls in a defence or nuclear context.
• Committed to continuous improvement, knowledge‑sharing and developing future engineers and project leaders.
• Forward‑thinking and opportunity‑focused, contributing to business development, work winning, sustainability and net‑zero ambitions.
• Hold a recognised level of UK security clearance or be eligible to apply for it.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.