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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage contracts and support the UK Armed Forces.
- Company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom and sovereignty.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a motivated team making a real impact in defence capabilities.
- Qualifications: Advanced negotiation skills and experience with high-value contracts are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; must be a British citizen or dual national.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to join an active, involved and motivated team, in a sector committed to delivering Defence Capability to the UK Armed Forces and other customers, covering aspects of the early product lifecycle and research and technology.
Salary : Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working : 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
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 £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension : maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- 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:
An opportunity has arisen to join an active, involved and motivated team, in a sector committed to delivering Defence Capability to the UK Armed Forces and other customers, covering aspects of the early product lifecycle and research and technology. .
- Business Winning – Being a key player in the winning of new contracts, agreements and opportunities. Responsible for supporting the full Route to achieving a Contract, including the Bidding process, cross functional working to deliver inputs and generation of proposals, maximising MBDAs interest.
- Contract Delivery – Being a vital part of the delivery chain that ensures MBDA meets its promises to our customer including contract management tasks, change management, problem solving and administration.
- Negotiations – With support gaining acceptance and agreement on issues and amendments to ensure contractual compliance within agreed boundaries.
- Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers & industry partners, focusing on collaboration.
- Being the interface with internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicating with stakeholders at all levels, including reporting to senior management on the progress of your portfolio of work.
- Representing the commercial team in progress/reviews and/or customer meetings.
- Working under pressure to achieve deadlines.
- Day-to-day administration and maintenance of the Commercial Information Systems.
- Promotes best practice and functional excellence.
What we\’re looking for from you:
- Advanced negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.
- Good process and change management.
- Experience of managing more complex, high 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 contract lifecycle.
- Commercial understanding from customer through to supplier.
- Awareness and practical applicability of Intellectual Property and its protection.
- Good understanding of contract law and its applicability.
- Ability to draft or modify terms and conditions.
- Understanding Liabilities and mitigating Risk.
- Awareness of Import and Export restrictions and licencing requirements.
- Ability to understand and use pricing and costing models.
- Good Knowledge of IT and Business Tools including SAP
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Principal Commercial Officer employer: MBDA Missile Systems
Contact Detail:
MBDA Missile Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and MBDA's role within it. Understanding the company's mission and values will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of MBDA on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation skills and contract management experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex contracts or resolved disputes, as these will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the Principal Commercial Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and regulations in the defence industry, particularly around contract law and compliance. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also show that you're proactive and well-informed about the challenges facing the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description for the Principal Commercial Officer role. Focus on your negotiation skills, contract management experience, and any specific achievements in business winning or relationship building.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the defence sector and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this position. Mention specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex contracts and build relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your advanced negotiation skills, understanding of contract law, and experience with commercial issues. Make sure to mention your familiarity with IT and business tools like SAP, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential qualities for the Principal Commercial Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA Missile Systems
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand MBDA's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their role in supporting the UK Armed Forces and how they approach defence capability. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Principal Commercial Officer role, expect scenario-based questions that assess your negotiation skills and contract management experience. Think of specific examples from your past work where you successfully navigated complex contracts or resolved issues, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
This position requires strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with various levels of management and external partners in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where your communication led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Importance of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with contract law and compliance issues relevant to the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how you have ensured contractual compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach compliance challenges in this new position. This shows your awareness of the industry's regulatory landscape.
