Head of Commercial

DEA Aviation Ltd.; Retford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Commercial to drive business development and manage commercial contracts. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with at least 8-10 years of experience in commercial negotiations within a contract-based environment. Responsibilities include crafting proposals, leading negotiations, and ensuring compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. Candidates should have a degree in Business, Law or Finance, with a strong aptitude for financial analysis and relationship building. This is a full-time position located at Gamston Airport, Retford.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years in commercial roles within a contract-based environment.
• Proven track record of managing complex commercial negotiations.
• Experience with export and ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support early-stage business development strategy and opportunity identification.
• Lead commercial aspects of proposal preparation and bid submissions.
• Secure optimal commercial terms while maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Financial analysis

Risk management

Education

Degree in Business, Law, Finance or related discipline

Professional qualification in commercial management or contract management

Job description

Head of Commercial

Department: Business Development

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Gamston Airport, Retford

Reporting To: Gavin O'Connell

Description

The Head of Commercial is a critical member of the DEA Growth team, serving as a trusted, proactive, and enabling partner to the business. Operating within a dynamic and growing SME environment, this role spans the entire commercial lifecycle — from early business development strategy through proposal preparation, negotiation, contract finalisation, and ongoing contract delivery. This position reports to the Growth Director and supports both DEA and its sister company ESAO based in Malta.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Strategy

• Support early-stage business development strategy and opportunity identification
• Contribute to growth planning and market positioning initiatives
• Collaborate with business development teams to shape winning propositions

Proposal & Bid Management

• Lead commercial aspects of proposal preparation and bid submissions
• Develop pricing strategies and commercial models that balance competitiveness with profitability
• Ensure proposals align with company capabilities, risk appetite, and strategic objectives

Negotiation & Contract Finalisation

• Lead contract negotiations with customers and suppliers
• Secure optimal commercial terms while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
• Finalise contractual arrangements that protect company interests and enable delivery

Contract & Risk Management

• Provide expert guidance on contract terms, applicable regulations, and compliance requirements
• Conduct comprehensive risk analysis and develop mitigation strategies
• Manage commercial issues throughout the contract lifecycle, including claims and disputes

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships at commercial and strategic levels
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure value delivery and contractual compliance
• Act as the commercial liaison between internal teams and external partners

Post-Award Contract Delivery

• Oversee commercial performance of active contracts
• Monitor financial impact and commercial health of ongoing projects
• Support capability development and service delivery from a commercial perspective

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen and business insight
• Trusted advisor who builds credibility through expertise and integrity
• Proactive and solution-oriented, anticipating issues before they arise
• Enabling partner who facilitates business success rather than creating barriers
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, growing SME environment
• Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical capabilities
• Relationship builder who engages effectively at all organisational levels

Commercial Expertise

• Deep understanding of commercial structures, contract law, and regulatory frameworks
• Expert knowledge of pricing strategies, financial modelling, and cost analysis
• Proficiency in risk assessment, mitigation planning, and issue resolution

Negotiation & Influence

• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high-value agreements
• Skilled in achieving win-win outcomes while protecting company interests
• Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority

Contract & Compliance Management

• Comprehensive knowledge of contract terms, conditions, and lifecycle management
• Understanding of applicable regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience managing claims, disputes, and contractual variations

Financial Acumen

• Strong financial analysis and interpretation skills
• Understanding of P&L impact and commercial performance metrics
• Ability to assess financial implications of commercial decisions

Stakeholder Management

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing customer and supplier relationships at senior levels
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

• Analytical mindset with strong critical thinking abilities
• Sound judgment in balancing competing priorities and interests
• Capability to make timely decisions under pressure

Technical Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in commercial roles within a contract-based business environment
• Proven track record managing complex commercial negotiations and contract delivery
• Experience with export and ITAR regulations
• Experience supporting business development through to contract award and execution
• Demonstrated expertise in risk management, claims handling, and dispute resolution
• Experience working across the full commercial lifecycle from bid to delivery
• Background in an SME or growth-phase organisation is highly desirable
• Degree-level education in Business, Law, Finance, or related discipline
• Professional qualification in commercial management, contract management, or equivalent (e.g., IACCM/NCMA certification, CIPS, or similar) is highly desirable
• Evidence of continuous professional development in commercial disciplines

Desirable

• Experience operating across multiple entities or international markets
• Knowledge of the Malta business environment or cross-border operations
• Sector-specific commercial experience relevant to DEA's business activities
• Experience implementing commercial systems, processes, or governance frameworks
• Track record of building commercial capability within growing organisations