Senior Defence Commercial Lead for Government Programme

Matchtech; Bierton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager for a defence/aerospace/government programme in Buckinghamshire with hybrid working. You will own commercial and contractual delivery of a major long-term project, leading strategy, customer engagement and supplier management across the lifecycle.

The role involves partnering with senior stakeholders and government customers, drafting and negotiating contracts, ensuring governance, and developing strategies to minimise risk and maximise

Qualifications

• Strong commercial and contract management experience in defence/aerospace/government sectors.
• Proven experience managing complex contracts and negotiations throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Extensive knowledge of contract law and its practical application.
• Experience with UK Government departments, Civil Service organisations or the MOD is advantageous.
• Knowledge of UK Government Framework Agreements and public sector procurement processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight timescales.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Degree qualification in Law, Business or related discipline desirable.
• Current SC clearance, or the ability to obtain SC clearance, is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial and contractual activities across a major government programme throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Act as the primary commercial point of contact for the customer, managing contractual relationships and negotiations.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including contract amendments, framework agreements, procurement contracts, subcontracts and NDAs.
• Provide expert commercial and contractual advice to programme teams and wider business stakeholders.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to minimise risk and maximise opportunities.
• Ensure governance compliance with UK/US statutory obligations.
• Manage key suppliers and subcontractors to meet deliverables within budget and time.
• Support delivery of long-term government framework and strategic procurement contracts.
• Collaborate with programme management, procurement, finance and legal teams.
• Lead and manage direct reports, driving performance.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Contract law

Leadership

Government procurement

Education

Law or Business degree

Job description

Matchtech is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager for a defence/aerospace/government programme in Buckinghamshire with hybrid working. You will own commercial and contractual delivery of a major long-term project, leading strategy, customer engagement and supplier management across the lifecycle.

The role involves partnering with senior stakeholders and government customers, drafting and negotiating contracts, ensuring governance, and developing strategies to minimise risk and maximise