Overview
Serco Limited – Commercial Business Partner, Flexible Location with Regular Travel to Portsmouth – Fixed Term Contract (9 months) – Part‑time, 22 hours per week, Band 2 / Circa £70,000 per annum (pro rata for part‑time hours).
Serco is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Commercial Business Partner to support the delivery of a critical defence programme for the Royal Navy. The role works closely with the Royal Navy and internal stakeholders to provide clear, accurate and timely commercial insight, supporting informed decision‑making and sustained programme confidence.
This role is part of the Vessel Replacement Programme (VRP), a major initiative to replace the current fleet under the DMS NG contract. With 24 vessels currently in build you will manage commercial performance, ensuring delivery to programme, cost, and contractual expectations.
Responsibilities
* Act as the commercial lead in managing subcontractor performance, ensuring delivery against agreed programme milestones and cost profiles
* Build strong, influential relationships with our Key Subcontractor and other subcontractors while holding them accountable to contractual obligations
* Provide clear, timely and professional commercial updates and insights to the Royal Navy customer
* Deliver expert commercial advice and guidance to the Head of Vessel Replacement Programme and Future Capability
* Support negotiation of Key User Requirements with the MOD, ensuring a balanced and controlled risk position for Serco
* Lead or support subcontractor negotiations (UK and overseas), ensuring robust commercial terms and acceptable risk exposure
* Oversee commercial change control across multiple contracts, managing variations and ensuring governance compliance
* Ensure delivery teams understand and operate within contractual frameworks
* Act as escalation point for contractual disputes, driving resolution or escalation where required
* Contribute to the development of commercial strategies, processes, and governance frameworks across the programme
* Partner with bid and operational teams to ensure seamless transition from contract award to delivery
* Provide commercial input into future capability and strategic development initiatives
Qualifications
* Proven experience in a build or engineering environment (maritime, infrastructure, defence, or similar)
* Strong experience managing subcontractors and holding them accountable to programme and cost
* Demonstrable experience operating within complex, multi‑layered contracts
* Sound knowledge of commercial, contracts, and ideally maritime law
* Experience working with government or defence customers (MOD experience desirable)
* Ability to balance risk and commercial outcomes in a structured, pragmatic way
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
* A diligent, detail‑oriented approach with a proactive, "can‑do" mindset
* A relevant professional qualification is desirable, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong commercial acumen
* SC clearance or the ability to achieve it is required
Benefits
* Company car / Cash Alternative
* Private healthcare
* Bonus scheme of up to 10% on target
* Flexible working considered
* Pension – 6%
* Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
* A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
* Serco discounts which include cinema, Merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships
* A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more
* A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco
* A safe and supportive culture
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