Commercial Practitioner

First Military Recruitment; Wyton, Andover, Whittington, Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

First Military Recruitment is seeking a Commercial Practitioner on behalf of a defence client. The role involves leading end-to-end procurement, contract management and supplier engagement across complex programmes, delivering value-for-money and compliant commercial solutions.

You will support governance, provide commercial advice to senior stakeholders and manage multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering procurement activities in public or private sectors.
• Strong contract management and supplier relationship skills.
• Experience managing high-value commercial arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activities across programmes.
• Develop tender docs, specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Manage supplier engagement and commercial negotiations to achieve value-for-money.

Skills

Procurement

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Risk management

Governance

Security clearance

Job description

HM101: Commercial Practitioner

Location: Wyton, Andover, Whittington and Glasgow 60% on site | Contract 82 days with extension likely

Salary: Competitive Day Rate | Inside IR35

Overview:

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Commercial Practitioner on behalf of one of our clients.

We are seeking experienced Commercial Procurement and Contract Management Specialists to provide commercial expertise across the full procurement and contract management lifecycle.

Working within a fast-paced and collaborative environment, you will lead and support complex sourcing activities, manage supplier relationships, oversee contract delivery, and provide commercial advice to senior stakeholders.

You will be responsible for delivering compliant, innovative and value-for-money commercial solutions while managing risk and ensuring effective governance.

Successful candidates will manage multiple commercial activities simultaneously and work closely with project teams, customers, suppliers and senior leaders to achieve operational and strategic outcomes.

Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activities.
• Develop tender documentation, specifications, evaluation criteria and pricing models.
• Manage supplier engagement throughout procurement exercises.
• Support and participate in commercial negotiations.
• Conduct supplier debriefs and provide procurement guidance to stakeholders.
• Deliver compliant commercial solutions that support business objectives and value for money.
• Manage contracts of varying complexity and value throughout their lifecycle.
• Develop and implement contract management plans and mobilisation activities.
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs.
• Manage contract amendments, change control processes and governance requirements.
• Apply contractual remedies where necessary and support dispute resolution activities.
• Ensure effective financial management and value-for-money delivery.
• Contribute to procurement, category and commercial strategies.
• Develop business cases and commercial options.
• Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks.
• Provide commercial advice on complex projects and programmes.
• Support delivery of efficiency savings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
• Influence business decisions through robust commercial advice.
• Support governance boards, senior leadership briefings and commercial reviews.
• Provide market insight and intelligence to support informed decision-making.
• Share commercial knowledge, lessons learned and best practice.
• Support and mentor less experienced team members.
• Contribute to continuous improvement within commercial teams.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Significant experience delivering public or private sector procurement activities.
• Strong contract management and supplier relationship management skills.
• Experience managing complex or high-value commercial arrangements.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation, commercial governance and contract management best practice.
• Ability to identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience supporting or leading negotiations with suppliers and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver against deadlines.
• Strong analytical, commercial and financial acumen.
• Active SC Clearance is essential.

Desirable:

• Experience working within Defence, Government, infrastructure, property, facilities management, construction, engineering or major programmes.
• Knowledge of Government Commercial Function standards and practices.
• Experience developing business cases and commercial strategies.

Location: Wyton, Andover, Whittington and Glasgow 60% on site | Contract 82 days with extension likely

Salary: Competitive Day Rate | Inside IR35