Commercial Manager - Defence

Frontier Resourcing; Bristol, Greater London, Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Commercial Manager to support public sector clients with various commercial services in the defence sector. The role is hybrid, expecting 3 days onsite in Bristol and surrounding areas. Responsibilities include managing procurement processes, evaluating suppliers, and ensuring contract compliance. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and have experience in procurement, contract management, and supplier negotiations. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Support to gain professional qualifications

Flexible working and hybrid arrangements

Corporate gym memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum relevant degree or equivalent practical experience required.
• Experience in procurement, ideally in defence or public sector.
• Familiarity with contract forms such as NEC, JCT, or FIDIC.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end procurement processes.
• Evaluate suppliers and negotiate contracts.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract management

Supplier negotiations

Commercial insights

Risk analysis

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Professional qualifications (CIPS)

Tools

NEC contract forms

JCT contract forms

FIDIC contract forms

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.

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