Job Description
Commercial Manager
Location: London Oxford Airport, Kidlington (OX5)Hours: 37.5 | Contract: Full TimeReporting to: Senior Commercial Operations Manager
Overview
A leading aerospace organisation is seeking a commercially astute Commercial Manager to support a diverse portfolio of civil and defence programmes. Based at a major UK aviation hub, the team delivers aircraft sales, completions, maintenance, engineering and support services for UK civil and military customers.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment managing high-value, complex contracts across multiple business areas.
The Role
You will manage commercial activity across aircraft sales, customisation, retrofit, training, MRO and service agreements. Working closely with bid teams, you will support contractual structures, risk assessment and negotiation of Terms & Conditions. Collaboration is key, working with Sales, Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Finance.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage key UK Government and defence contracts in line with the Procurement Act 2023, DSPCR and SSRO requirements.
* Prepare SSRO reports including CPS, CRP and FPA.
* Oversee full contract lifecycles, ensuring deliverables, milestones, costs, profit rates and payment schedules are met.
* Lead negotiations, amendments and reporting for defence/government customers.
* Represent the organisation professionally in internal and external meetings.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of contract management processes.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
* Degree in Business, Law or related field (or relevant experience).
* Experience in commercial/contract management within defence, aerospace or similar regulated sectors.
* Hands-on experience with Government/defence contracts under SSRO.
* Strong negotiation, financial analysis and business case skills.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* Strong organisational and multitasking capability.
* Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace.
* Proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
* Willingness to travel occasionally in the UK or abroad.
Desirable
* Understanding of aviation, aerospace or military industries.
* Experience managing contracts exceeding £5m.
* Knowledge of contract law and UK procurement processes.
* Ability to automate reporting via VBA or AppScript.
Additional Requirements
* Eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance (normally requires 5 years UK residency).
* Ability to obtain DBS clearance.
* Meet Export Control requirements.
* Proof of right to work in the UK.
Benefits
* Bupa private medical (single cover).
* Pension scheme (6%–8% employer contribution).
* Dental plan, health-care cash plan, personal accident insurance.
* Health assessments, travel insurance.
* Access to financial and legal advisory services.
How to Apply
If you are a commercially focused professional with strong contract management experience and a passion for regulated environments, we’d love to hear from you.