Commercial Manager

Electus Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense recruitment firm is looking for a Commercial Manager to oversee essential contracts and governance on significant defense projects in the UK. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing complex commercial agreements and must possess a CIPS Qualification. Responsibilities include risk management and compliance governance, with the opportunity for hybrid working from either Bristol or London. This permanent position offers a salary range of £50,000 to £70,000, dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex commercial agreements and relationships.
• Expertise in the full contract lifecycle from negotiation to close-out.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage contracts ensuring robust governance and compliance.
• Shape significant commercial strategies across diverse defence projects.
• Oversee full lifecycle contract management.

Skills

Commercial Management

Contract Management

Governance & Compliance

Risk Management

Commercial Acumen

Understanding of CIPS

Education

CIPS Qualification

Job description

Commercial Manager – Leading Defence Projects

Electus Recruitment is partnering with a prominent organisation to secure a Commercial Manager to support a diverse portfolio of defence projects. This role offers the opportunity to shape significant commercial strategies and oversee vital contracts within complex environments.

As a Commercial Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing contracts, ensuring robust governance, mitigating commercial risks, and maintaining compliance across high‑stakes programmes. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of commercial principles and practices, applied within a dynamic and impactful setting.

Key Requirements

• Commercial Management: Proven experience in managing complex commercial agreements and relationships.
• CIPS Qualification: Essential, with MCIPS being highly desirable.
• Contract Management: Expertise in the full contract lifecycle, from negotiation to close‑out.
• Governance & Compliance: Strong understanding and application of structured governance frameworks and regulatory compliance.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks effectively.
• Commercial Acumen: Deep knowledge of commercial principles and best practices.
• British Nationality: This is a firm requirement for the role.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 3 days per week to client sites, which may include Bristol, London, Aldermaston, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Derby.
• Hybrid Working: Commutable to either Bristol or London for hybrid office presence.

Desirable Attributes

• Security Clearance: Current active SC clearance is advantageous, but candidates without this will be considered.
• Sector Experience: Prior experience in the Defence sector is ideal, though strong commercial backgrounds from critical infrastructure (e.g., rail, highways, utilities, aviation) could also be considered.

Salary & Benefits

This is a permanent position offering a salary range of £50,000 to £70,000, dependent on experience and level. This opportunity is not suitable for contractors or individuals without UK commercial defence or critical infrastructure experience.

If you are a commercially astute professional with a robust understanding of contract management and governance, and you meet the specific requirements outlined, we encourage you to apply.