Senior Commercial Manager – Defence

Overview

Senior Commercial Manager in Mace’s Defence team leads commercial delivery for high-profile, regulated programmes. You will manage contracts, assess risks, and drive value across the project lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The role demands NEC contract expertise, rigorous cost control, and the ability to provide expert commercial guidance in a secure environment. This is a mission-driven opportunity to support nationally significant programmes and shape delivery outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• Car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Private medical cover
• Life assurance
• Pension scheme
• Discretionary annual salary reviews

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial management support across complex project and programme delivery teams
• Offer specialist advice to identify, mitigate commercial risks and maximise opportunities
• Administer NEC contracts ensuring governance and contractual compliance
• Lead cost management, forecasting, and commercial reporting throughout the lifecycle
• Prepare financial reports including cost forecasts and final costs
• Assess commercial impact of design changes, awards, and client requirements
• Support resolution of contractor/supplier claims including delays and disruptions
• Manage commercial risk, compensation events, change control, and contractual notices
• Assist practical completion, final account negotiations and close-out activities
• Maintain accurate commercial records and proper archival of documentation

Key requirements

• Proven experience delivering commercial management in Defence, Infrastructure, Nuclear, Engineering or similar complex environments
• Strong NEC contract management and administration experience
• Solid knowledge of contract law and construction/engineering commercial frameworks
• Experience in cost management, forecasting, and financial control
• Experience identifying and managing commercial risks, change control and claims
• Strong stakeholder management and communication at all levels
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or related discipline

• Stakeholder management
• Clear communication
• Analytical thinking
• NEC contract management
• Cost management and forecasting
• Commercial reporting

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