Commercial Manager

Holt Recruitment Group Limited; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established engineering business in Dorchester is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead contract negotiations and customer relationships. You will ensure compliance with trade requirements and collaborate with technical teams. Ideal candidates have a degree and at least 3 years of experience in the aerospace, defence, or regulated engineering sectors. The role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for cross-functional exposure.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Leadership role

Cross-functional exposure

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in aerospace, defence, nuclear or regulated engineering sector.
• Comfortable discussing technical delivery with engineers.
• Strong negotiator, methodical with paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract negotiation, ensuring terms protect the business.
• Run tender and bid activity, build pricing models and set margin targets.
• Manage contract changes, claims, and dispute resolution.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Compliance management

Customer relationship management

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, Law or comparable experience

Job description

Commercial Manager

Dorchester

Salary: £45,000–£60,000

We are working with an established engineering business that needs a Commercial Manager who can own contracts, pricing and customer relationships, keep the business profitable, and make sure everything stays compliant with international trade and industry rules.

The company manufactures and supplies technical products into highly regulated markets. The team you’ll join is senior, technically competent and pragmatic. You will report into the Managing Director and work across engineering, finance, legal and projects to make sure the numbers are right, the contracts are robust, and customers stay happy.

Day to day

• Lead contract negotiation, drafting and management, making sure commercial terms protect the business and enable delivery.
• Run tender and bid activity, build pricing models and set margin targets.
• Manage contract changes, claims and dispute resolution calmly and commercially.
• Ensure compliance with export control and trade requirements and internal governance.
• Act as the main commercial contact for key customers and build relationships with OEMs and partners.
• Collaborate with engineering and supply chain so commercial commitments are realistic and deliverable.

Who we want as our next Commercial Manager

• A Commercial Manager with at least 3 years of experience within the aerospace, defence, nuclear or regulated engineering sector.
• Someone who understands manufacturing or MRO commercially and is comfortable discussing technical delivery with engineers.
• Strong negotiator, methodical with paperwork, and confident managing risk and compliance.
• Degree in Business, Engineering, Law or comparable experience, MBA is a plus.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary of £45,000–£60,000.
• A genuine leadership role where commercial decisions shape the business.
• Cross-functional exposure and real autonomy to make improvements.

If you want to own commercial strategy, keep complex programmes on track and work with capable technical teams, pick up the phone.

Call Hayden at Holt Engineering on 07955 081 482.