Head of Commercial

JR United Kingdom; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in the defence sector is looking for a Head of Commercial to oversee commercial strategy and lead a team. The role requires proven experience in complex contracting and excellent stakeholder engagement skills. This senior position offers a strategic role in critical national programmes, a supportive hybrid work model, and an attractive compensation package.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package including bonus and car allowance

Progression opportunities

Supportive hybrid work model

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within defence or regulated sectors.
• Strong understanding of complex contracting (e.g. MOD, DE&S, NEC, or similar).
• Ability to lead through complexity with a strategic mindset.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of the commercial strategy and governance across a multi-year defence programme.
• Leading contract negotiations and risk management.
• Developing and mentoring a high-performing commercial team.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

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.