Head of Commercial

JR United Kingdom; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in the UK defence sector is seeking a dynamic Head of Commercial to oversee their commercial strategy within a multi-year programme. This senior role involves leading a commercial team, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and driving governance throughout project lifecycles, while offering attractive compensation and minimal travel requirements.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Bonus

Car allowance

Progression opportunities

Supportive hybrid work model

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within the defence or regulated sectors.
• Strong understanding of complex contracting like MOD, DE&S, NEC.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Driving commercial governance across project lifecycles.
• Leading contract negotiations, risk management, and performance improvement.
• Developing and mentoring a high-performing commercial team.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Mindset

Job description

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Are you a senior commercial leader with a strong background in defence, aerospace, or complex engineering services? We’re working with a leading organisation in the defence sector seeking a dynamic Head of Commercial to join their high-performing team and play a strategic role in supporting long-term, mission-critical programmes.

The Role

As the Head of Commercial, you’ll take ownership of the commercial strategy and governance across a multi-year defence programme. You'll lead a team of commercial professionals, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, legal frameworks, and business objectives.

This is a senior leadership role with visibility at executive level, responsible for:

• Driving commercial governance across project lifecycles
• Leading contract negotiations, risk management, and performance improvement
• Partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure commercial best practice
• Developing and mentoring a high-performing commercial team

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within the defence or regulated sectors
• Strong understanding of complex contracting (e.g. MOD, DE&S, NEC, or similar)
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
• A strategic mindset with the ability to lead through complexity
• Ideally, a background in government frameworks or long-term service contracts

Why Apply?

• Join a critical national programme with long-term funding and high strategic value
• Work with a highly professional team at the forefront of innovation and delivery
• Enjoy a supportive hybrid work model with minimal travel requirements
• Attractive compensation package including bonus, car allowance, and progression opportunities.