Commercial Manager - Defence

Frontier Resourcing; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector seeks Commercial Managers to support public sector clients. This hybrid role involves managing procurement processes, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance, with opportunities for professional development offered. Ideal candidates hold relevant degrees and qualifications and have experience in procurement or contract management.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Support for professional qualifications

Structured learning & development pathways

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance programme

Company pension

Season ticket loan

Cycle to work scheme

Ability to buy/sell annual leave

Corporate gym memberships

Mentorship opportunities

Access to digital learning platforms

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent practical experience required.
• Relevant professional qualifications like CIPS desired.
• Experience in procurement and contract management in defence or public sector is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end procurement processes from strategy to contract award.
• Manage contract lifecycle and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Conduct supplier performance monitoring and improvement.

Skills

Procurement

Contract Management

Negotiation

Supplier Performance Management

Risk Analysis

Education

Degree in relevant subject

CIPS or equivalent

Job description

Due to continued growth and new project wins, our client is looking for Commercial Managers to join their team and work across a range of defence sector programmes. Roles are available at various levels depending on your experience.

This is a hybrid position, with 3 days expected on-site with the client and 2 days remote or from your nearest office (based on your preference).

Project locations include: Bristol, Reading, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Derby and Cumbria

As a Commercial Manager, you’ll be supporting public sector clients with a wide range of commercial services that may include but are not limited to:

• Supporting end-to-end procurement processes – from strategy and sourcing through to contract award

• Working closely with internal teams and stakeholders to deliver commercial insights

• Running tenders, evaluating suppliers, and negotiating contracts

• Managing the contract lifecycle and ensuring compliance with relevant public sector regulations (including DSPCR, PCR, PA)

• Monitoring supplier performance and helping drive improvements and innovation

• Identifying and mitigating commercial risks, ensuring projects stay on track

• Leading or supporting commercial transformation and change initiatives

• Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, from delivery teams to government agencies

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent practical experience

• Relevant professional qualifications such as CIPS, or equivalent commercial/procurement experience

• Experience in procurement, contract management, and supplier negotiations – ideally in defence, infrastructure, or public sector

• Familiar with contract forms such as NEC, JCT, or FIDIC

• Able to analyse cost and risk data to support decision-making

• SC clearance or ability to obtain

Benefits on Offer:

• Competitive salary

• Support to gain professional qualifications

• Structured learning & development pathways

• Flexible working and hybrid arrangements

• Employee assistance programme

• Company pension

• Season ticket loan

• Cycle to work scheme

• Ability to buy/sell annual leave

• Social events and team activities

• Corporate gym memberships

• Mentorship opportunities

• Access to a range of digital learning platforms