Commercial Contracts Manager – Defence Location – Flexible with travel to Portsmouth/London as required Full Time, Permanent £65,000 - £85,000 per annum plus benefits Here at Serco, we are seeking an experienced Commercial Contracts Manager to work within the Defence Business Unit. In this role, you will provide commercial contracts expertise and support throughout the contract lifecycle, embedding good commercial contracts management. This will support sustainable growth and enhanced profitability, whilst also ensuring that the BU’s contractual and commercial risk profile is managed to an acceptable level. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a global business with extensive career progression across multiple divisions. At Serco, we deliver essential services across defence, justice & immigration, healthcare, and transport, working in partnership with governments and other organisations to improve outcomes for people and communities. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and purpose-driven culture. Whether supporting the UK’s critical public services or helping organisations operate more efficiently, our work makes a real difference. As part of this you’ll: Serve as a subject matter expert and business partner through the delivery of high-quality commercial contracts expertise throughout the contract lifecycle Proactively identify and appropriately manage contractual and commercial risks, disputes and resolution Lead on the negotiations of key contractual and commercial issues with customers, partners, SPV’s and key subcontractors throughout the contract lifecycle Provide quality contract reviews, advice and support for the BU’s bids and pursuit of new business including: contract reviews, interpretation and risk assessments; preparation of bid responses relating to the contract terms (including assumptions and dependencies); negotiation and dialogue with customers on Ts & Cs matters; key partner and subcontractor negotiations and documentation; and contractual aspects of transition and bid to contract handover. Reporting to the Commercial Contracts Director and maintain strong working relationships with the BU Legal Director, Contracts Director / Sales Director, Contract Teams / Bid Teams, and Finance Business Partners to deliver optimal commercial outcome Proactively identify opportunities for contracts to reduce value leakage, improve contract performance and/or enhance profitability. Provide support as directed to due diligence projects or acquisitions or divestments or other special projects relating to the Business Unit. Appropriate and timely escalation/handover to Legal of unresolved disputes and other matters which require legal advice and expertise. What you’ll need to do the role: Relevant professional qualification with experience in a commercial contracts role A good understanding of commercial contract management, complex contracts, performance monitoring (KPI’s), complex contractual constructs in a services and projects contracting environment Strong contractual and governance background Demonstrable experience of balancing commercial, technical and legal requirements to achieve successful outcomes with acceptable risk profiles Experience working in the Defence Industry with a background in maritime desirable. Why Serco? Joining Serco means becoming part of a global community dedicated to delivering high-quality services that make a tangible impact on society. We provide career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and an inclusive, supportive environment where you’ll work with industry leaders on meaningful projects. With a focus on continuous improvement, we value your expertise in driving programme excellence and invite you to join a team that’s committed to making a real difference. What we offer: Company car / £4200 cash alternative Bonus scheme – 10% on target, 20% exceeding targets Private healthcare Flexible working considered Pension – 6% Employee Assistance Programme Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services A company passionate about diversity and inclusion About Serco At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and InSerco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging. Apply Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact 0345 010 4000. At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on 0345 010 4000 to discuss.