Senior Commercial Manager

Arguile Search; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK Defence sector seeks a Senior Commercial Manager for a major programme. This pivotal role involves leading commercial activities, negotiating complex contracts, and building a high-performing team. With an attractive salary and bonuses, this is a unique chance to influence the future of UK Defence.

Benefits

Up to 25% annual bonus

Company share scheme participation

Competitive base salary

£6,000 car allowance

Opportunity to shape your role and team

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex, regulated sectors.
• Track record of building high-performing teams.
• Ability to manage high-value contracts.
• Strong skills in stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial aspects of a large-scale defence programme.
• Drive governance and compliance across the contract lifecycle.
• Collaborate with legal and finance functions to shape outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Contract Negotiation

Risk Mitigation

Education

Degree in Contracts, Commercial, Legal or Business

Job description

Job Title: Senior Commercial Manager – Flagship Defence Programme

Location: Kent (Hybrid)

Salary: £80,000 + £6,000 car allowance + up to 25% bonus + share scheme

A rare opportunity to shape the future of UK Defence.

We’re seeking an exceptional commercial leader to join at the very start of a major, long-term programme that is set to become one of the most high-profile initiatives in the defence sector over the next 30+ years.

This is your chance to take on a foundational role—leading the commercial workstream and building out your own team as the programme grows in scale and complexity. You’ll operate with a high degree of autonomy while engaging with senior stakeholders across industry and government.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all commercial aspects of a large-scale defence programme from inception
• Build and grow a commercial function tailored to programme needs
• Drive governance, compliance and risk mitigation across the full contract lifecycle
• Negotiate complex contracts, terms and agreements with high-value stakeholders
• Collaborate with legal, finance, engineering and delivery functions to shape strategic outcomes
• Develop innovative commercial strategies that ensure long-term programme success

About You:

• Proven experience leading commercial delivery in complex, regulated sectors (Defence, Rail, Aerospace, Nuclear, etc.)
• Track record of building and leading high-performing commercial teams
• Expert in negotiating and managing high-value, complex contracts
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including with senior government or MoD officials
• Able to operate with calm authority in a fast-paced and high-profile environment
• Degree-qualified or equivalent experience in contracts, commercial, legal or business disciplines

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive base salary of £80,000
• £6,000 car allowance
• Up to 25% annual bonus
• Company share scheme participation
• Opportunity to work on a programme of unprecedented scale and importance
• The chance to shape your role, your team and the long-term direction of a national capability

Be part of something historic. Join at the ground level, build your legacy.