Head of Commercial

Babcock International Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and aerospace firm is seeking a Head of Commercial to lead a dynamic team and manage complex contracts in Bristol. This full-time role provides hybrid working arrangements and requires proven leadership in contract management, strong commercial acumen, and qualifications in Engineering, Business, Law, or Accountancy. The successful candidate will shape commercial strategies and influence high-profile projects, contributing to national security. Generous benefits include a matched pension scheme, holiday trading, and excellent development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Volunteering day off

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in contract management across the full lifecycle.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to identify innovative solutions.
• Experience creating proposals for new and organic growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive contract management and governance across Mission Systems.
• Negotiate and price activities to support growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies for success.

Skills

Leadership in contract management

Commercial acumen

Proposal creation for growth

Relationship management

Ability to thrive under pressure

Education

Degree in Engineering, Business, Law, or Accountancy

Professional qualifications (MCIPS, IACCM, PGCCM)

Job description

Job Title : Head of Commercial

Location : Bristol + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation : Competitive + Benefits

Role Type : Full time / Permanent

Role ID : SF69989

Lead the Future of Defence and Aerospace

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Head of Commercial at Ashton House, Bristol.

The role

As a Head of Commercial, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll lead a dynamic team, manage complex contracts, and work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure we achieve the best possible commercial outcomes. This is your opportunity to challenge the norm, raise the bar, and accelerate your career in a fast-paced, transformative environment.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping commercial strategies that drive innovation and success across our Mission Systems business. This is a pivotal role where you’ll influence high‑profile projects, including Skynet, and deliver pragmatic solutions that make a real difference to national security and our customers’ missions.

• Leading and driving contract management and governance across Mission Systems
• Negotiating and pricing activities to support growth opportunities
• Developing and implementing commercial strategies for success
• Acting as the senior commercial point of contact for the business
• Mentoring and guiding commercial and delivery teams to share best practice

This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements.

Essential Experience Of The Head Of Commercial

• Proven leadership in contract management across the full lifecycle
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to identify innovative solutions
• Experience creating proposals for new and organic growth opportunities
• Ability to thrive under pressure and meet critical deadlines
• Skilled in senior‑level relationship management with customers and stakeholders

Qualifications For The Head Of Commercial

• Ideally degree‑qualified (or equivalent) in Engineering, Business, Law, or Accountancy
• Professional qualifications such as MCIPS, IACCM, or PGCCM - Desirable

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portalPayment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date : 12 / 12 / 2025

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