Role Title: Commercial Manager
Location: Bristol, England (Hybrid Working)
An opportunity to join one of Europe’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence technology businesses, developing advanced unmanned and autonomous systems used across some of the world’s most demanding operational environments.
The organisation is recognised for combining proprietary hardware, software, and AI-driven intelligence solutions to support critical missions across defence, maritime surveillance, security, and space operations. With significant growth across international markets, they are continuing to scale their commercial function to support increasingly complex programmes and strategic partnerships.
You would be joining a dynamic, highly collaborative environment where innovation moves quickly, decisions are impactful, and teams work closely together to deliver cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.
This role is centred around driving commercial growth through strategic partnerships, contract management, and market expansion across complex defence and aerospace programmes.
You will be responsible for managing the full contract lifecycle, supporting commercial activities across bids, pricing, negotiations, execution, and close-out. Working closely with engineering, operations, finance, legal, and production teams, you will help transform innovative technologies into scalable commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
• Manage the full contract lifecycle including bid support, contract negotiation, award, execution, variation, and close-out
• Support pricing activities including pricing models and cost build-ups
• Work across sourcing, procurement, and contract management activities
• Ensure compliance with Defence and Public Sector commercial frameworks and regulations
• Support the management of commercial risks, claims, disputes, and change control processes
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, production, operations, finance, legal, and commercial teams
• Assist in the development of strategic partnerships and commercial growth opportunities
• Maintain strong attention to detail across contractual documentation and reporting
• Support export control awareness activities including ITAR and EAR considerations where applicable
Requirements
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within Defence, Aerospace, or the Public Sector
• Experience managing end-to-end procurement and contract management activities
• Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023, Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR), DEFCONs, and DEFSTANs
• Good understanding of contract structures including Firm Price, Cost Plus/Cost Reimbursable, and Framework Agreements
• Experience handling change control, claims, disputes, and commercial risk management
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced English proficiency at C2 level
• Ideally holds SC Clearance or is willing to obtain it
• MCIPS qualification or equivalent is advantageous but not essential
This is an opportunity to join one of Europe’s most exciting unmanned technology businesses at a pivotal stage of growth. You will work on complex, high-value defence programmes with genuine influence across commercial strategy and contract delivery.
The role offers strong exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to play a key part in scaling innovative technology within highly regulated global markets.