Commercial Manager

First Military Recruitment Ltd; Corsham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

First Military Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Commercial Manager in Corsham to lead procurement for complex projects. The role requires strong commercial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure environment.

DV clearance is required, and a background in public sector or MOD contracts is beneficial. The position is based on-site in Corsham, four days per week, with a competitive day rate and a 12-month contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial management experience.
• Proven procurement leadership on complex projects.
• Strong stakeholder management across diverse teams and external partners.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Security clearance: DV (Developed Vetting).
• MCIPS certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate procurement for complex projects within scope, time, and budget.
• Build collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Manage key customer and stakeholder relationships to meet project objectives.
• Provide commercial expertise to support project approvals.
• Deliver procurement activities at pace while balancing stakeholder expectations.
• Apply knowledge of procurement regulations and risk management to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Mentor team members to build capability and project delivery.
• Prepare and manage contract documentation including tenders and evaluation processes.
• Chair or support Tender Evaluation Boards and negotiate with suppliers.
• Utilise procurement systems and ensure transparency compliance.
• Provide timely commercial advice on emerging issues and risks.
• Foster a positive team culture with wellbeing and engagement.
• Conduct performance reviews and support development needs.
• Recommend training opportunities to enhance team capability.
• Manage resource allocation to balance workload and priorities.
• Promote integrity and compliance with policies.

Skills

Commercial Management

Procurement Leadership

Stakeholder Management

High-Pressure Environments

DV Clearance

MCIPS

Education

CIPS Level 4

Job description

HM65: Commercial Manager

Location

Corsham 4 days per week on site Mon - Thurs

Salary

Competitive Day Rate Contract 12 Months with high potential for extension

Overview

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Commercial Manager on behalf of one of our clients.

Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the procurement process for complex projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, and delivery within agreed scope, timeframes, and budget constraints.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with multidisciplinary teams, including colleagues at all levels, senior leadership and external partners, to support seamless procurement delivery.
• Manage and develop key customer and stakeholder relationships, proactively identifying opportunities to improve or strategically develop these relationships to meet project objectives.
• Provide commercial expertise to support the Project Team in achieving necessary approvals.
• Operate effectively in a demanding, high-pressure environment, delivering procurement activities at pace while balancing and managing diverse and sometimes competing stakeholder expectations.
• Apply extensive knowledge of commercial regulations and procurement frameworks to address and resolve complex commercial challenges, ensuring risk is appropriately managed and optimal outcomes are achieved.
• Support the transfer of commercial and technical knowledge by mentoring and developing both commercial and non-commercial team members, enhancing overall team capability and project delivery.
• Prepare, draft and manage contract documentation within delegated authority, including tender documentation, evaluation and award processes, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Chair or support Tender Evaluation Boards and lead negotiations with suppliers within delegated limits to secure value for money and contract terms aligned with project requirements.
• Utilise procurement systems to manage procurement activities efficiently and ensure compliance with transparency policies.
• Provide timely, practical commercial advice and solutions to emerging issues and risks, contributing to problem solving and crisis management alongside senior commercial managers and customers.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that supports wellbeing, engagement and high morale among Commercial staff.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and one-to-one meetings to provide constructive feedback, set clear objectives, and identify individual development needs.
• Identify and facilitate appropriate training and professional development opportunities to build team capability and support career progression.
• Manage resource allocation within the team to ensure workload is balanced and priorities are met effectively.
• Lead by example in upholding ethical standards and compliance with policies, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by supporting staff to identify and implement process enhancements and best practices.
• Act as a point of escalation for commercial issues within the team, providing guidance and support to resolve challenges promptly.
• Support succession planning by identifying and nurturing potential future leaders within the Commercial team.

Skills and Qualifications

• Commercial Management 5+ years.
• Hold Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Level 4.
• Proven experience leading and managing the procurement of complex projects, including planning, execution, and delivery within defined scope, time, and budget constraints.
• Strong ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams, senior leadership, customers and external partners to support procurement and project objectives.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, managing competing stakeholder expectations and delivering procurement activities at pace.
• Has supported in a competition, start to finish, even content introduction at beginning.
• Experience dealing with Service Management rather than digital.
• Security Clearance: DV (Developed Vetting).

Desirable

• Evidence of providing commercial expertise, including supporting project teams to achieve necessary approvals, and providing sound commercial advice throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Experience of leading and managing a team.
• Ideally Big Framework contracts or differential.
• Experience in infrastructure would be helpful.
• How to exit a contract others will be working on this but would be helpful to have some awareness.
• How to exit a PFI contract is highly beneficial.
• Public Sector experience is preferred / MOD Experience.
• MCIPS.

Location

Corsham 4 days per week on site Mon - Thurs

Salary

Competitive Day Rate Contract 12 Months with high potential for extension