Principle Commercial Officer

Copello; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in the defence sector is looking for a Principal Commercial Officer to oversee high-value contracts and lead commercial activities throughout the project lifecycle. This role demands proven experience in a senior commercial position, ideally in a regulated industry such as defence or aerospace. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for career development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior or principal-level commercial role.
• Background in defence, aerospace, nuclear, or regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and negotiation, ideally with DEFCONs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage commercial activities across full project lifecycle.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage high-value contracts and subcontracts.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Senior commercial role experience

Strong negotiation skills

Contract law knowledge

Stakeholder management

Job description

Principal Commercial Officer – Defence

Location: Hertfordshire. Hours: 37 hours (no core hours) hybrid working 2/3 days a week on site. Salary: £50,000 plus a generous package.

Copello are working with a leading organisation in the defence and national security sector to identify Principal Commercial Officers to support high-value, complex programmes.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping commercial strategy and delivering contractual excellence within a highly regulated environment.

The Role

• Leading and managing commercial activities across the full project lifecycle


• Developing, negotiating, and managing high-value contracts and subcontracts


• Providing strategic commercial advice to internal stakeholders


• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, governance, and procurement policies
  
• Managing risk, supporting pricing strategies, and overseeing bid governance

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior or principal-level commercial role


• A background in defence, aerospace, nuclear, or another regulated industry


• Strong knowledge of contract law and negotiation, ideally with experience in DEFCONs or equivalent frameworks


• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment


• Eligibility for security clearance may be required

What's on Offer

• The opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes


• Career development in a supportive and collaborative environment


• Competitive salary and benefits package