Commercial Manager (Defence sector)

hireful; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is seeking a professional for a hybrid role focused on bid management and contract negotiation in the defence sector. You will lead high-value bids, manage contractual negotiations, and engage with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has significant experience in commercial roles within defence or aerospace. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to work on innovative technology that supports safety and defence worldwide.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Employee profit share

Healthcare plan

Pension

Generous holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Significant experience in bid management or commercial roles.
• Knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks and contract law.
• Proven experience managing international defence tenders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate high-value defence sector bids.
• Own commercial negotiations and manage contract lifecycle.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Provide commercial input to decision-making and programme delivery.

Skills

Bid management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Your chance to join the global technology leader in advanced gas detection and monitoring systems.

This is a company whose products support critical operations across defence, aerospace, deep‑sea, and industrial environments.

This is a hybrid role, with offices just south of Middlesbrough – easily commutable from Sunderland, Darlington, Durham, etc.

The role would suit someone who has worked in commercial management, bid/tender/proposals management, or similar role.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate complex, high-value defence sector bids, including MoD, NATO, and major defence primes.
• Own commercial and contractual negotiations, managing risk and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, customers, and strategic partners.
• Provide commercial input to strategic decision‑making, pricing, and programme delivery.
• Line manage the Contract Management function, mentoring and developing team members.

A competitive basic salary is on offer plus car allowance and employee profit share scheme.

There is a range of excellent company benefits including generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy more), healthcare plan, pension, and more.

What we are looking for:

• Significant experience in bid management, contract negotiation, or commercial roles within defence, aerospace, or complex engineering.
• Knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, and contract law.
• Proven experience leading end‑to‑end bids for projects of £1M+ and managing international defence tenders.
• Exceptional project management, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach and calmness under pressure.
• Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior, impactful role in a high‑performing business, working on innovative technology that supports safety and defence worldwide. Apply today!