Senior Commercialisation Manager

Location:

Remote based (UK) with regular national travel and occasional international travel.

About Ploughshare:

Ploughshare transforms cutting‑edge defence and security research into real‑world solutions. We work with scientists, engineers and innovators to turn new technologies into commercial solutions through licensing, spin-out creation and strategic partnerships.

This is a permanent opportunity to join our Digital & Data team. Our work focuses on software, data driven technologies, AI, analytics, digital platforms and digitally enabled services. We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy working with fast moving, intangible technologies and modern digital business models.

Our work is fast paced, purposeful and contributes directly to national security, industry growth and wider societal benefit.

About the role:

For experienced commercialisation professionals with a strong track record.

You will lead complex portfolios of digital, software and data centric technologies, managing opportunities from early discovery through to licensing agreements or spin-out formation. You’ll apply confident commercial judgement, shape clear pathways to market and represent Ploughshare with credibility across government, industry, academia and investment communities.

The role includes mentoring and line‑management responsibilities, supporting the development of Commercialisation Managers, while also contributing to wider business development and strategic priorities.

This role suits someone who can operate independently, exercise sound commercial judgement and steer high‑value commercialisation activity.

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluate new digital and data‑enabled technologies and assess their commercial potential.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis, with an understanding of digital markets, customers and routes to adoption.
• Prepare value propositions, commercial strategies and early business plans for software, data‑driven or platform‑based technologies.
• Build strong working relationships with inventors, colleagues and external partners.
• Support licensing processes, spin‑out activity and post‑deal management.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to effective commercial pipeline management.

Additional senior responsibilities:

• Lead complex Digital & Data portfolios and help set commercial priorities.
• Develop commercial pathways independently and lead licensing and spin‑out negotiations.
• Represent Ploughshare at senior‑level meetings, events and conferences, particularly within digital and data innovation communities.
• Mentor and line‑manage Commercialisation Managers, supporting skill development and confidence.
• Identify new partnership opportunities and contribute to broader business development.
• Apply informed, balanced commercial judgement to organisational decision‑making.

What you will bring:

• A strong track record of delivering licensing deals or forming spin‑out companies, ideally involving digital or data‑led technologies.
• Experience managing complex technology portfolios and progressing opportunities independently.
• Strong understanding of IP, patents and commercialisation frameworks relevant to digital innovation.
• Confident negotiation, influencing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities and make sound commercial judgements.
• Experience mentoring or managing colleagues.
• Experience in investment, early‑stage ventures or public‑sector digital innovation is an advantage.

Our values:

At Ploughshare, our values guide how we work, collaborate and make decisions:

• Client First
  We work in genuine partnership with inventors, clients and collaborators, ensuring their needs shape our commercial decisions.
• Lead with Integrity
  We are transparent, fair and consistent in everything we do, from negotiations to decision making.
• Pace with Purpose
  We move quickly when it matters but never compromise on quality, balancing agility with thoughtful collaboration.
• Grow Together
  We encourage curiosity, share knowledge freely and invest in each other’s development. We work as one team with a shared mission.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We know that diversity fuels innovation, and we actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM, commercialisation and defence‑related fields to apply. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, we will support you.

How to apply:

If this opportunity excites you, please submit your CV via the form below. For any questions, please email HR@ploughshare.co.uk