Principal Commercial Officer

Electus Recruitment Solutions; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Commercial Officer to join a world-class defence organization in Stevenage. This pivotal role involves managing complex, high-value contracts through all stages of the contract lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in the UK Defence sector, strong contract law knowledge, and advanced negotiation skills. The position offers a salary of approximately £50,000, hybrid working arrangements, and requires British citizenship for eligibility.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of contract law and experience in its practical application.
• Proven capability in managing complex, high-value contracts.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-value contracts throughout the lifecycle.
• Be the primary interface with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote best practices and functional excellence within the team.

Skills

UK Defence or Government sector experience

Proven experience managing complex, high‑value contracts

Strong understanding of contract law and its practical application

Advanced negotiation and interpersonal skills

Expertise in risk and liability mitigation

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication abilities

Tools

SAP

Job description

Principal Commercial Officer

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Principal Commercial Officer to join a world‑class defence organisation and play a pivotal role in delivering capability to the UK Armed Forces. As a key player in the commercial team, you will be instrumental in the full contract lifecycle—from business winning and bidding to successful delivery.

You will manage complex, high‑value contracts and be a primary interface with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels. This role requires an individual with a strong understanding of contract law, excellent negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to risk and change management. You will promote best practice and functional excellence while building strong collaborative relationships with customers and industry partners.

Required Skills and Background

• UK Defence or Government sector experience
• Proven experience managing complex, high‑value contracts
• Strong understanding of contract law and its practical application
• Advanced negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Expertise in risk and liability mitigation
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication abilities

Desirable Experience

• Awareness of Intellectual Property protection
• Knowledge of Import and Export restrictions and licensing
• Familiarity with business tools like SAP

This is a permanent role based in Stevenage, with a hybrid working pattern (2–3 days a week on‑site). The salary for this position is circa £50,000 depending on experience.

Due to the nature of work at our client's site, these vacancies are only open to British Citizens or Dual UK nationals with British citizenship, and require successful candidates to undergo a Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check and be eligible for SC clearance.