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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage high-value defence contracts and oversee the bid process.
- Company: Join a leading organisation delivering advanced defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and competitive salary with bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a strategic environment that values compliance and risk management.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial management and understanding of defence contracts required.
- Other info: Two roles available: one focused on pre-signature, the other on post-signature.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially astute professional with experience in customer facing defence contracts? We are recruiting for a leading organisation delivering advanced defence solutions.
The Role:
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in managing high-value defence contracts, from bidding and pre-signature negotiations to post-signature contract management. You will be responsible for ensuring commercial success, risk mitigation, and compliance within a highly regulated and strategic environment. There are two roles available, one mainly pre-signature, one mainly post-signature.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead commercial activities across technology led defence contracts.
- Oversee the end-to-end bid process, ensuring competitive and compliant proposals.
- Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts with key clients, suppliers, and government entities.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and security frameworks.
- Identify and mitigate contractual risks.
- Provide commercial guidance to internal teams and senior stakeholders.
- Collaborate with procurement, finance, and legal teams to drive business objectives.
About You:
- Proven experience in a senior commercial/contracts management role.
- Strong understanding of defence contracts, including MOD and international agreements.
- Experience managing bids, pre-signature negotiations, and post-contract delivery.
- Excellent negotiation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work in a high-security, fast-paced environment.
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC level).
Contact Detail:
Arguile Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and the specific skills they value.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in defence contracts. Being knowledgeable about current issues and changes in the industry will help you stand out during interviews and discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during interviews. Think about your past experiences managing contracts and how you handled challenges, particularly in high-stakes environments. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our role in the defence sector. Understanding our mission, values, and recent projects will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing defence contracts, particularly focusing on your roles in bidding, negotiations, and contract management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in risk mitigation and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Manager role. Emphasise your proven experience in commercial management and your understanding of defence contracts, showcasing how you can add value to the organisation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your negotiation skills, stakeholder engagement abilities, and experience in high-security environments. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in both your CV and cover letter.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile Search
✨Showcase Your Defence Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of defence contracts, especially those related to the MOD and international agreements. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your expertise in this area.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated terms or mitigated risks in previous contracts.
✨Understand Compliance Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the legal, regulatory, and security frameworks relevant to defence contracts. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach it in this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders by discussing your experience in providing commercial guidance. Think of specific instances where you collaborated with internal teams or external clients to achieve business objectives.
