Commercial Manager - Hybrid - Defence

Matchtech; Barrow-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and security organisation is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead commercial strategy on critical programmes. This contract role involves overseeing contractual management, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring compliance in a high-stakes environment. The successful candidate will have a strong background in UK MOD and US DOD contracting, with proven leadership and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Commercial & Contractual management.
• Strong background in UK MOD and US DOD contracting.
• Proven ability to assess, draft, and negotiate contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of commercial strategies.
• Oversee contractual management activities and ensure compliance.
• Negotiate and manage complex contracts with customers and suppliers.

Skills

Contractual management

Negotiation

Risk evaluation

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Commercial Manager/Contract Lead (Contract Role)

Location: Barrow/Hybrid
Contract Type: Contract initially 6 months
Company: BAE Systems

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping commercial strategy for one of the world's leading defence and security organisations? We are seeking a driven and experienced Commercial Manager to join our dynamic team on a contract basis, playing a key role across multiple critical programmes.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of commercial leadership, providing strategic guidance, ensuring contractual compliance, and driving commercial excellence in high-stakes, complex environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of commercial strategies across key programmes.

• Oversee contractual management activities, ensuring compliance and maximising value.

• Provide expert advice on commercial, legal, and contractual matters to support business decision-making.

• Negotiate and manage complex contracts and business arrangements with customers, suppliers, and partners.

• Develop and mentor a high-performing commercial team.

• Identify and mitigate commercial risks across all contract phases.

• Ensure effective flow-down of commercial terms to suppliers with balanced risk management.

• Represent BAE Systems in external negotiations and meetings, requiring occasional travel.

What We're Looking For

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Commercial & Contractual management.

• Strong background in UK MOD and US DOD contracting, including DEFCONs, FAR/DFAR.

• Proven ability to assess, draft, and negotiate a wide range of contracts.

• In-depth knowledge of pricing strategies, cost estimating, and export compliance.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex contractual requirements and drive successful delivery.

Leadership & Influence:

• A collaborative leader with experience in motivating and developing teams.

• Strong influencing skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders.

• Experience driving a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and shared learning.

Communication & Problem Solving:

• Excellent communicator with the ability to present complex issues clearly and influence key decisions.

• Skilled in risk evaluation and problem resolution in high-pressure environments.

• Strong mentoring, coaching, and delegation abilities.