Commercial Manager (Defence sector)

hireful; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in advanced gas detection and monitoring systems is seeking a Bid Manager. The hybrid role requires significant experience in bid management and contract negotiations within defence or aerospace sectors. Responsibilities include leading complex bids and managing commercial negotiations while fostering relationships with stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary, a car allowance, and excellent benefits including healthcare and generous holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Car allowance

Employee profit share scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Healthcare plan

Pension

Qualifications

• Significant experience in bid management, contract negotiation, or commercial roles within defence or aerospace.
• Knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, DEFCONs, and contract law.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end bids for projects of GBP1M+.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate complex, high-value defence sector bids.
• Own commercial and contractual negotiations throughout contract lifecycle.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Bid management

Contract negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

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 GBP1M+ 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!