Job Title: Commercial Operations Manager Location: Bristol Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 plus performance-related bonusBenefits: Private healthcare, free on-site breakfast and lunch, snacks, on-site gym, lifestyle perks Right to Work: Must be authorised to work in the UK (no sponsorship available)Drive commercial excellence. Shape winning proposals. Secure high-value contracts.A rapidly scaling advanced engineering and manufacturing business is seeking a commercially astute Commercial Operations Manager to take ownership of bids, proposals, and contract governance across defence, aerospace, energy and other regulated markets.This is a newly created business critical role at the centre of commercial growth partnering closely with technical, engineering and production teams to turn complex capabilities into compelling tenders and secure strategically important work.The organisation is one of only a handful globally with cutting-edge robotic metal additive manufacturing technology, delivering complex components faster, cheaper and more efficiently than traditional methods. With significant expansion planned for 2026, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape commercial success during a high-growth phase.What you’ll be doing:Bid ManagementLead and coordinate high-quality, technically complex bids (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs).Develop winning bid strategies that maximise competitiveness.Write, shape and refine proposal content to ensure clarity, precision and impact.Collaborate with engineering and applications teams to translate technical capability into customer-focused submissions.Conduct bid/no-bid assessments to support strategic decision-making.Provide early commercial and legal input to ensure compliant and compelling responses.Contract ManagementDraft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including MSAs, supply contracts, frameworks, and NDAs.Structure contracts to safeguard the business and ensure smooth operational delivery.Own the full contract lifecycle from negotiation to execution, monitoring and closure.Manage variations and formal change-control processes.Ensure alignment with risk appetite, industry expectations and regulatory requirements.Risk & ComplianceIdentify contractual risks and define mitigation strategies.Advise on liabilities, indemnities, IP rights and limitations of liability.Ensure compliance with export controls, defence standards, ITAR and international trade obligations.Strengthen internal governance across bids and contracts.Stakeholder EngagementAct as the primary commercial contact for clients and internal teams.Support senior leadership with commercial insights and contract structuring.Build strong relationships with customers, advisors and partner organisations.Work on-site with occasional travel for client meetings, including the USA.What we’re looking for:Strong experience leading bids and managing contracts in complex engineering, manufacturing or regulated environments.Deep understanding of commercial terms, contract negotiation and risk management.Ability to work closely with engineering teams and interpret technical information.Commercially sharp, detail-driven and confident advising senior stakeholders.Comfortable operating at speed within a scaling, innovative environment.Fully on-site and able to travel when required.Please apply or email Sarah@ark-recruitment.com