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- Tasks: Lead commercial management for defence projects and shape high-value bids.
- Company: Join a top consultancy in defence and security, specialising in engineering and cyber security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal role with autonomy and the chance to build your own team.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence commercial operations and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with 2-3 days onsite near Cheltenham.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week onsite near Cheltenham
Salary: £70,000–£80,000 + comprehensive benefits
Employment Type: Full Time | Permanent
A rare opportunity has opened for a strategic Commercial Manager to join a leading defence and security consultancy specialising in support engineering, cyber security, and learning & development. Operating at the heart of complex commercial environments—particularly within the MOD and wider defence ecosystem—you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and managing bids and frameworks ranging from £20k to £10 million. This hybrid role offers autonomy, leadership visibility, and future team-building potential.
Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial management of current and future project portfolios
- Act as the commercial point of contact for internal stakeholders and client accounts
- Provide strategic commercial guidance on high-value campaigns and complex bids
- Collaborate with sales, PMO, and leadership to shape commercially viable proposals
- Support bid/no-bid decisions by developing consistent commercial strategies
- Manage commercial risk and oversee commercial documentation approvals
- Maintain and monitor a central register of all commercial instruments
- Drive client relationship development to ensure growth and diversification
Skills
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- In-depth knowledge of UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards
- Advanced negotiation and strategic decision-making abilities
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Working knowledge of project and risk management principles
- Comfortable operating in high-stakes, regulated environments
- Ability to work independently and shape the role proactively
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience managing commercial operations in the defence or secure consultancy sectors
- Strong working knowledge of frameworks involving MOD or Tier 1 defence suppliers (e.g., BAE Systems, Thales)
- Active SC Clearance required; DV Clearance highly desirable
- Proven success managing bids in the £200k–£10M range
- Demonstrated experience working with leadership teams and cross-functional departments
- Professional certifications or relevant qualifications in commercial or contract management are advantageous
Benefits
- Competitive salary + bonus potential
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible working hours and hybrid work model
- Life assurance, Medicash healthcare plan, and pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Onsite secure parking
- Supportive leadership and a down-to-earth team culture
- Structured path for progression and potential to build your own team
Contact Detail:
Fuel Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with Tier 1 suppliers like BAE Systems or Thales. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing bids in the £200k–£10M range. Be ready to share specific examples of successful projects and how you navigated challenges, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your strategic decision-making abilities and negotiation skills during conversations. These are crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've successfully influenced outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Commercial Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in commercial operations within the defence sector. Emphasise your achievements in managing bids and your knowledge of frameworks involving MOD or Tier 1 defence suppliers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic commercial guidance experience and negotiation skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's success.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have professional certifications or qualifications in commercial or contract management, make sure to mention them prominently. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fuel Recruitment Limited
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and show that you are well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed commercial operations in previous roles, particularly within the defence sector. Highlight your experience with bids ranging from £200k to £10M to illustrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've developed client relationships in the past. Provide specific examples of how you've collaborated with internal stakeholders and external clients to drive growth and diversification.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would approach high-value campaigns and complex bids. Be prepared to share your strategic decision-making process and how you would support bid/no-bid decisions in a real-world scenario.
