Commercial Lead - Defence Innovation & Emerging Technology (DV Cleared)
Location: Hybrid - London and Remote Working
Contract: Outside IR35
Security Clearance: Active UK Developed Vetting (DV) - Essential
Sector: Defence / National Security / Government
The Opportunity
La Fosse is recruiting an experienced Commercial Lead to support a high-profile portfolio of innovation, emerging technology and Research & Development (R&D) programmes within a highly secure Defence environment.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in accelerating the procurement and deployment of innovative technologies and operational capabilities, working closely with senior Defence stakeholders, programme delivery teams and industry partners.
We are looking for a commercially astute, delivery-focused professional with a proven ability to navigate complex procurement challenges, develop innovative commercial strategies and deliver outcomes at pace.
The role will involve managing a diverse portfolio of complex and often non-standard procurements, balancing speed of delivery, commercial governance, risk management and value for money.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commercial and procurement activity across innovation, emerging technology and R&D programmes.
- Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with operational and programme objectives.
- Provide strategic commercial advice to senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
- Manage end-to-end procurement activity, including market engagement, sourcing, supplier negotiations and contract award.
- Develop innovative procurement approaches to accelerate capability delivery.
- Navigate complex and non-standard commercial challenges, identifying practical solutions to procurement barriers.
- Identify, assess and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
- Ensure compliance with relevant procurement regulations, policies and governance frameworks.
- Build effective relationships with senior Defence stakeholders, industry partners and suppliers.
- Drive value for money, commercial efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Support supplier performance management and contract delivery where required.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience operating as a Commercial Lead, Senior Commercial Manager, Procurement Lead, Category Lead or equivalent.
- Strong commercial and procurement experience within Defence, National Security or Central Government.
- Demonstrable experience supporting innovation, emerging technology, digital transformation or R&D programmes.
- Proven track record of delivering complex procurement and commercial outcomes within challenging timescales.
- Strong supplier negotiation, contract management and commercial risk management experience.
- Experience influencing and advising senior stakeholders within complex organisations.Understanding of public sector procurement regulations, commercial governance and strategic sourcing.
- Ability to operate autonomously within fast-moving, ambiguous and delivery-focused environments.
- Active UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
Desirable Experience
- Defence acquisition and operational capability delivery programmes.
- Working with military stakeholders or within Defence commercial organisations.
- Commercial delivery across cyber, digital, AI, emerging technology or innovation programmes.
- Rapid acquisition, agile procurement or alternative sourcing methodologies.
- Research and Development (R&D) procurement.
- Complex single-source negotiations and non-standard procurement arrangements.
- Experience operating within classified or highly secure delivery environments.
Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications would be advantageous, including:
- MCIPS / CIPS Level 5 or Level 6.
- Government Commercial Function Accreditation.
- World Commerce & Contracting (formerly IACCM).
- PRINCE2, MSP, APM PMQ or equivalent project/programme qualifications.
About You
We are particularly interested in individuals who combine strong commercial governance with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
You will be comfortable challenging traditional procurement approaches, engaging with senior stakeholders and identifying ways to accelerate delivery without compromising commercial standards.
The ability to demonstrate tangible examples of overcoming procurement barriers, delivering commercial outcomes at pace and enabling innovative technology or operational capability programmes will be particularly important.
Please note: Active UK DV clearance is mandatory for this position. Candidates without current DV clearance cannot be considered.
