Commercial Manager - Engineering & Defence
Location: Kidlington, UK
Our client, a leading organisation within the aviation and engineering sector, is hiring a commercially astute, results-driven Commercial Manager to join their high-performing Commercial Operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in managing major UK Government and defence contracts within a regulated, contract-heavy environment.
What you'll be doing:
* Lead the commercial and contractual management of significant defence and government contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Procurement Act 2023, DSPCR, and SSRO requirements.
* Prepare and oversee contractual reporting, including SSRO-mandated reports, Contract Pricing Statements, and Final Price Adjustments.
* Manage the full contract lifecycle, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and payment schedules are met, with a focus on allowable costs, contract profit rate, and cash flow.
* Act as the primary commercial contact for Government/Defence clients, leading negotiations, amendments, change orders, and reporting.
* Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, and Programme Management to support contract success.
* Contribute to process improvements around SSRO compliance and best practices.
What you'll bring:
* Degree in Business, Law, or a related field.
* Proven experience in contract management within defence, aerospace, or highly regulated engineering sectors.
* Strong knowledge of UK Government/Defence contracting and SSRO frameworks.
* Experience leading complex negotiations, financial analysis, and business case development.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Organised, proactive, with strong problem-solving abilities and commercial risk awareness.
* Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace.
* Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
Desirable:
* Experience managing contracts over £5m.
* Knowledge of contract law and procurement processes.
* Ability to develop automation tools for reporting.
Additional requirements:
* Ability to obtain DBS and Security Clearance.
* Compliance with Export Control regulations.
* Proof of right to work in the UK.
Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, pension contributions, healthcare cash plan, and more. If you're ready to make an impact in a dynamic, regulated environment, we'd love to hear from you!
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