Commercial Manager
Location: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week onsite near Cheltenham
Salary: £70,000–£80,000 + comprehensive benefits
Employment Type: Full Time | Permanent
A rare opportunity has opened for a strategic Commercial Manager to join a leading defence and security consultancy specialising in support engineering, cyber security, and learning & development. Operating at the heart of complex commercial environments—particularly within the MOD and wider defence ecosystem—you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and managing bids and frameworks ranging from £20k to £10 million. This hybrid role offers autonomy, leadership visibility, and future team-building potential.
Responsibilities
* Lead the commercial management of current and future project portfolios
* Act as the commercial point of contact for internal stakeholders and client accounts
* Provide strategic commercial guidance on high-value campaigns and complex bids
* Collaborate with sales, PMO, and leadership to shape commercially viable proposals
* Support bid/no-bid decisions by developing consistent commercial strategies
* Manage commercial risk and oversee commercial documentation approvals
* Maintain and monitor a central register of all commercial instruments
* Drive client relationship development to ensure growth and diversification
Skills
* Strong commercial and financial acumen
* In-depth knowledge of UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards
* Advanced negotiation and strategic decision-making abilities
* Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
* Working knowledge of project and risk management principles
* Comfortable operating in high-stakes, regulated environments
* Ability to work independently and shape the role proactively
Qualifications & Experience
* Experience managing commercial operations in the defence or secure consultancy sectors
* Strong working knowledge of frameworks involving MOD or Tier 1 defence suppliers (e.g., BAE Systems, Thales)
* Active SC Clearance required; DV Clearance highly desirable
* Proven success managing bids in the £200k–£10M range
* Demonstrated experience working with leadership teams and cross-functional departments
* Professional certifications or relevant qualifications in commercial or contract management are advantageous
Benefits
* Competitive salary + bonus potential
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
* Flexible working hours and hybrid work model
* Life assurance, Medicash healthcare plan, and pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Onsite secure parking
* Supportive leadership and a down-to-earth team culture
* Structured path for progression and potential to build your own team