Senior Commercial Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to provide commercial leadership on complex programmes and bids. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract management within the defence sector and will be responsible for guiding procurement processes, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance competitiveness. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a flexible hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary & benefits package

Flexible hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Proven background in commercial management within the defence sector.
• Strong knowledge of MOD procurement processes.
• Experience in managing high-value bids and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead commercial advisor across projects and bids.
• Review, negotiate and manage contracts and terms.
• Support on commercial governance and bid strategies.

Skills

Commercial management

Stakeholder engagement

Contract negotiation

Influencing skills

Education

Background in commercial, legal, business or related field

Job description

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Our client, a leading defence organisation is seeking a Senior CommercialManager to provide commercial leadership across complex programmes and bids. This is a critical position where you'll work at the heart of the business, advising on all commercial matters, shaping negotiations, and ensuring robust governance throughout the contract lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the lead commercial advisor across assigned projects, programmes, and bids.
• Review, negotiate and manage contracts, subcontracts, frameworks and terms & conditions.
• Provide expert guidance on MOD procurement processes, including DEFCONs and MoD-specific frameworks.
• Lead and manage contract re-negotiations, identifying commercial risk and opportunity.
• Support and advise on commercial governance and bid strategies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent commercial best practices.
• Influence pricing and partnering strategies to enhance competitiveness and profitability.

Essential Experience:

• Proven background in commercial management within the defence sector.
• Strong working knowledge of MOD procurement, contract negotiation, and governance (incl. DEFCONs).
• Experience supporting high-value bids, programmes, and change negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills.
• Confident decision-maker with strong risk management awareness.

Qualifications:

• Background in commercial, legal, business or a related field.
• Member (or working towards) of a relevant professional body (e.g. IACCM, CIPS) is advantageous.

Why Apply?

• Join a mission-critical business working on nationally significant programmes.
• Take a leading role with room to grow and influence commercial strategy.
• Competitive salary & benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working model.

Apply Now
If you're ready to bring your commercial expertise into a high-impact defence environment, we want to hear from you.

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