Job Title: Commercial Manager
Location: Home-based contractually (Bristol a few times a month)
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + £5,000 Car Allowance
Clearance Required: Must be eligible to obtain SC (Security Check) clearance
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly capable Commercial Manager to join a growing defence organisation operating across high-profile programmes in the South of England. This is a key role supporting both pre- and post-signature commercial activities, with a focus on post-signature contract delivery, performance management, and customer engagement.
You will play a pivotal role in managing complex defence contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, mitigating commercial risk, and fostering strong client relationships with UK Government and Defence customers.
This position is home-based, with travel to client sites and project locations across the South of England as required.
Key Responsibilities:
* Act as the commercial lead for key contracts post-signature, ensuring robust contract management and performance tracking
* Negotiate contract changes, amendments, and extensions in line with commercial strategy
* Engage with MoD and defence prime customers on all commercial matters, building trusted, professional relationships
* Support pre-signature activities including bid review, commercial input into proposals, and risk assessment
* Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulations, and internal governance
* Collaborate with project managers, finance, legal, and technical teams to manage contract delivery
* Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks across the lifecycle of each contract
Essential Requirements:
* Demonstrable experience in a commercial role within the UK defence sector (MOD or defence primes)
* Strong track record of post-signature contract management and delivery
* Excellent customer-facing skills and the ability to build effective relationships with key stakeholders
* Experience working within UK Government contracting frameworks (e.g., DEFCONs, DSPCR, etc.)
* Eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance (UK nationality and 5+ years residency typically required)
* Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
Desirable:
* Experience in both pre- and post-signature commercial work
* Degree or equivalent in Law, Business, or a related field
* Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IACCM, CIPS)