Commercial Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Poole; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services firm is seeking a Commercial Manager in Bournemouth. The position requires deep expertise in commercial contract management, preferably in aerospace or defence. The role includes engaging senior stakeholders, leading contract negotiations, and supporting service provision across military and commercial sectors. This exciting opportunity offers hybrid working conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience managing commercial contracts through full development cycles.
• Ability to harness data for commercial decision-making.
• Exposure to aerospace or defence contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activities across full contract lifecycle.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with clients and suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance and risk management strategies.

Skills

Commercial contract management

Negotiation

Supplier performance management

Risk management

Data analysis for commercial decisions

Education

Degree or legal qualification in contract management

IACCM or WCC qualification

Job description

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Bournemouth

GBP 50,000 - 70,000

Job summary

Defence-focused engineering services business is hiring a Commercial Manager. Applicants need commercial contract management expertise, ideally within aerospace, defence contracting, outsourced service provision, or high-trust industry.

Key skills required for this role

Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Officer, Contracts Manager

Important

Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Officer, Contracts Manager

The Commercial Manager will support both new bids and existing programmes across military and commercial customers. Contracts delivered will focus on support services, training, modifications, MRO, upgrades, and NPI. The Commercial Manager will also provide downstream support to procurement colleagues and contribute to activities designed to de-risk the supply chain.

This is an exciting time to join the organization. The Commercial Manager will interact with senior stakeholders across Bids, Sales, Programmes, and Engineering. The role will be based in Bournemouth, with hybrid working options.

Tasks of the Commercial Manager include:

• Lead commercial activities across the full contract lifecycle—from bid to closeout.
• Advise on commercial and contractual matters, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with key clients, suppliers, and government entities.
• Drive supplier performance and risk management strategies.
• Develop and refine KPIs to ensure contract success and continuous improvement.
• Act as a commercial contractual SME to Programme Managers, Bids, and Sales.

Commercial Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Experience managing commercial contracts through the full development cycle, mitigating risk.
• The ability to harness data to make commercial decisions.
• Previous exposure to outsourced engineering, spares/repairs, technical services, high-technology, aerospace, or defence contracts, or contracting within/to central government or the public sector.
• Knowledge of contract development processes.
• Degree-educated, or a legal qualification or contract management qualification (e.g., IACCM, WCC).
• Comfortable working in Bournemouth, Dorset, on a hybrid basis.