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- Tasks: Lead complex contract negotiations and manage high-profile agreements in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced team driving innovation in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a chance to influence key business strategies.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that shape the future of defence and enhance your commercial skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing high-value contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior leadership and engage in strategic decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
Position Available: Principal Commercial Contracts Manager
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £45,000 - £52,000 (DoE) + Bonus
Experience needed: We're looking for a senior commercial professional with proven experience managing high-value, complex contracts within a complex environment, and the ability to lead negotiations, influence cross-functional teams, and support business growth through sound commercial strategy.
About the role: An excellent opportunity has opened to join a fast-paced and motivated Commercial team as a Principal Commercial Officer, supporting early-phase defence innovation and the full lifecycle of key programmes. In this role, you'll be instrumental in securing and delivering high-profile contracts and agreements, managing commercial risks, leading stakeholder engagement, and driving functional excellence. You'll work across the business to influence bid activity, contract negotiation, customer relationships, and compliance - helping shape strategic outcomes and win new business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a key contributor to business-winning activities, including bid development, proposal generation, and customer negotiation
- Lead or support complex contract negotiations to ensure optimal outcomes and contractual compliance
- Manage contract delivery, change control, and performance tracking across your portfolio
- Serve as the primary commercial interface for internal and external stakeholders, including reporting to senior leadership
- Represent the Commercial function in reviews, customer meetings, and programme discussions
- Champion best practice in commercial governance, process improvement, and stakeholder communication
- Manage and maintain commercial systems (e.g., SAP), ensuring data accuracy and compliance
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks, including liabilities, IP, and regulatory considerations
- Apply commercial knowledge across areas such as pricing models, contract law, export controls, and licensing
What we need from you:
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of managing high-value, complex contracts
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities at all levels
- Broad commercial knowledge across contract law, IP, liabilities, and compliance
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across functions in a high-pressure environment
- Sound judgement in identifying risks and proposing effective mitigation strategies
- Familiarity with Import/Export regulations, licensing, and aerospace/defence industry standards
- Proficient in SAP and other commercial/business tools
- Process-minded with experience leading or supporting change management initiatives
If you would like to know more details about the position or want to register your interest, hit apply below. We'd love to hear from you!
Contact Detail:
Henderson Scott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Contracts Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the aerospace and defence industry standards. Understanding the specific regulations and compliance requirements will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the commercial contracts field, especially those who have experience in high-value contract negotiations. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex contracts in the past. Highlighting your negotiation skills and the outcomes of your strategies will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in commercial contracts, particularly in the defence sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will show your proactive approach and readiness to contribute to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Contracts Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with high-value, complex contracts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage commercial risks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in stakeholder engagement and contract management.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong negotiation skills and broad commercial knowledge. Mention any familiarity with SAP and other commercial tools, as well as your understanding of contract law and compliance.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Scott
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Principal Commercial Contracts Officer, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved optimal outcomes, and be ready to discuss your strategies and techniques.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Highlight your experience in engaging with stakeholders at all levels. Be prepared to share specific instances where you successfully influenced cross-functional teams or managed relationships to drive business growth.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with aerospace and defence industry standards, as well as import/export regulations. Showing that you have a solid grasp of these areas will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Risk Management Discussions
Be ready to discuss how you've identified and mitigated commercial risks in previous roles. Providing concrete examples will illustrate your sound judgement and ability to navigate complex environments.
