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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for defence projects and shape high-value bids.
- Company: Join a top consultancy in defence and security, focusing on engineering and cyber security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, 25 days leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment with growth potential and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence operations and strong knowledge of MOD procurement required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for team-building and leadership visibility.
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
Commercial Manager - Defence employer: Fuel Recruitment Limited
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 relationships can provide 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 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management, particularly within the defence sector. Emphasise your knowledge of UK defence frameworks and any experience with MOD procurement standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and negotiation skills. Mention specific examples of successful bids you've managed and how you can contribute to the company's growth and diversification.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have professional certifications or qualifications in commercial or contract management, be sure to include these in your application. They can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders and clients. This is crucial for the role, so make it clear how you can drive client relationship development.
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 from your past experience that highlight your strong commercial and financial acumen. Discuss specific instances where you've successfully managed bids or projects, particularly in the £200k to £10M range.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've developed client relationships in previous roles. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and provide examples of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve success.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Anticipate questions around strategic decision-making and negotiation. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or negotiate terms, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
