Commercial Manager

Pennant International Group Plc; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the IPS software and services sector is seeking a Commercial Lead to oversee contract negotiations and management across various industries including defense and aerospace. The role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, ensuring compliance with UK export laws while driving company growth through effective contract management.

Benefits

Annual bonus up to 7.5% of salary

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management and negotiations.
• Understanding of legal and commercial risks.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers.
• Manage contract lifecycle and ensure compliance.
• Mentor junior staff and manage client relationships.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Communication

Analytical skills

Leadership

Job description

Pennant International Group is the IPS software and services company operating in the defence, space, commercial aerospace, rail, and shipping industries. Capabilities include a suite of IPS software solutions, technology-led training systems covering software-based solutions, generic training devices, and bespoke engineering, as well as technical services including consultancy and technical documentation.

Annual bonus up to 7.5% of salary.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Review and negotiate contractual terms with customers and suppliers, collaborating across all regions and parts of the business (Technical Training, including Track Access, and Integrated Product Support) to understand and safeguard the Group’s interests.
2. Act as Commercial lead, assisting in bid preparation for new contracts, coordinating costing and pricing information with the bid manager, and managing the formal release of bids along with necessary documentation.
3. Identify and evaluate legal, financial, and operational risks within contracts and proactively manage issues to prevent disputes and protect the company’s interests.
4. Manage contract lifecycle on live programmes, including milestone monitoring and invoicing, ensuring timely delivery and contractual compliance.
5. Lead and mentor junior staff within the Commercial team.
6. Manage customer relationships, liaising with clients on live programmes and handling commercial matters in coordination with Project Managers.
7. Collaborate internally to ensure contract alignment with business goals, advising leadership on contract terms, risks, and opportunities.
8. Proactively resolve issues, negotiate contract amendments, and identify out-of-scope work to protect and optimise the Group’s commercial position.
9. Analyze contracts for process improvements and renegotiations to drive business growth.
10. Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, staying informed on legislative changes.
11. Develop systems to monitor contract performance, meet obligations, and resolve disputes or breaches.
12. Coordinate transportation and shipping with Operations.
13. Ensure compliance with UK export control laws and manage export/import risks in other jurisdictions (e.g., US ITAR).
14. Implement non-disclosure agreements with stakeholders.
15. Prepare management reports on contracts and opportunities.
16. Handle other responsibilities within the Commercial department, including maintaining document templates and materials on SharePoint or other platforms, ensuring they are current and improved.