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- Tasks: Lead commercial operations for defence contracts with the Polish Armed Forces.
- Company: Join MBDA, a top-tier defence organisation committed to global security.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that enhance national security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and advanced negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel to Poland and involvement in a collaborative team environment.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to join an active, involved and motivated team, committed to delivering Defence Capability to one of MBDA's strategic export customers, the Polish Armed Forces. If you are passionate about executing critical and complex international contracts and you have experience of working collaboratively with UK and/or international customers whilst protecting the commercial position, then look no further.
Salary: Circa £85,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site including international business travel.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to 49.5% of base salary (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Private Medical Insurance: Private Medical Insurance (AXA PPP). An employee funded voluntary private healthcare scheme.
- Car Allowance: £680 Per Month
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity: This role is within the Programmes Organisation which is dedicated to the delivery of our obligations to our Poland MoD customer. You will be overseeing the commercial matters related across a portfolio of contracts providing world-leading defence capabilities for our strategic customer, the Poland Armed Forces. This includes some of the most complex and significant technology transfer in MBDA's history. You will provide leadership across our teams in the preparation, negotiation, implementation and performance of commercial related subjects across the entire life cycle of our Poland contracts. You will ensure consistency across our contracts and provide commercial guidance to internal teams and manage risk and opportunity to safeguard the interests of MBDA.
Key activities on a day-to-day basis will vary in this new and fast-paced environment, but expected activities you are likely to complete:
- Contract Delivery – Being a vital part of the management team of the delivery chain that ensures MBDA meets its promises to our customer including contract management tasks, change management, problem solving and administration.
- Negotiations – Guiding and mentoring teams gaining acceptance and agreement on issues and amendments to ensure contractual compliance within agreed boundaries.
- Building and maintaining senior relationships with new and existing customer stakeholders & industry partners, focusing on collaboration.
- Being the interface with internal and external stakeholders.
- Representing the Group Head of Poland Programmes in progress/reviews and/or customer meetings.
- Providing leadership for commercial related matters on various aspects of the growth of a new MBDA subsidiary in Poland – MBDA Polska.
- Providing commercial guidance and assistance to the MBDA commercial and wider leadership team in-country.
- Working under pressure to achieve deadlines.
- Promotes best practice and functional excellence.
- Business Winning – Providing Poland Programmes commercial input and coordination in supporting the winning of new contracts, agreements and opportunities.
What we're looking for from you: The Poland Programmes Organisation provides a collaborative, team-focused environment where multitasking is a key skill. This is a relatively new but really key senior role, and we need people who can help us be successful by taking requirements and problem solving with tangible solutions. There will be ample opportunities for you to develop within the MBDA business, utilise your experience across the wider Programmes business. You will be required to travel to our office and customer community in Poland on a regular basis.
Advanced negotiation skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Good process management. Experience of managing highly complex & value contracts. Effective team behaviours, influencing and team working skills. Experienced in a broad range of commercial issues and skills including contract management skills throughout the whole contract lifecycle. Commercial understanding from customer through to supplier. Awareness and practical applicability of Intellectual Property and its protection. Excellent understanding of contract law and its applicability. Understanding Liabilities and mitigating Risk. Be able to problem solve daily and skilled at finding a resolution. Keen to provide continuous support and co-operation to senior internal and external customers. Continually instigate and lead improvement opportunities, analyse situations and present possibilities, whilst balancing risk.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Head of Commercial Poland Programmes employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Poland Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Polish defence market and MBDA's role within it. Understanding the specific needs and challenges of the Polish Armed Forces will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience working with international contracts. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role requires advanced abilities in guiding teams through complex discussions. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence in your negotiation techniques.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract management throughout the entire lifecycle. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and delivered results in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Poland Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing complex contracts and working with international customers. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to build relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the defence industry. Mention your understanding of the Polish market and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your advanced negotiation skills, contract management experience, and ability to work under pressure. Make sure to mention your familiarity with contract law and risk management, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Team Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in team-focused environments. Highlight instances where you’ve influenced team behaviours or led improvement opportunities, as this aligns with the collaborative nature of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Commercial Poland Programmes role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as contract management and negotiations, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Given the emphasis on advanced negotiation skills in this role, come prepared with specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex negotiations. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to demonstrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This position requires effective team behaviours and collaboration. Be ready to share instances where you worked closely with teams or stakeholders, particularly in high-pressure situations, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The ability to problem-solve is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous positions and the tangible solutions you implemented. This will showcase your critical thinking and adaptability in dynamic environments.
