At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract lifecycle, manage proposals, and collaborate with teams for successful outcomes.
- Company: Leading defence and technology organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on nationally significant programmes that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management, strong communication skills, and ability to manage risks.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Commercial Officer to join a leading defence and technology organisation supporting major UK programmes. This role offers the chance to become a key member of a highly collaborative commercial team, supporting the full contract lifecycle from opportunity and bid stage through to contract delivery and closure. You will work closely with project, engineering, finance and legal teams, helping to safeguard business interests while ensuring successful customer outcomes.
This position would suit someone with experience in commercial management, contracts, bidding or customer-facing business operations who is looking to further develop their career within a complex and highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities- Support the preparation, review and negotiation of commercial proposals and contracts.
- Manage commercial activities throughout the lifecycle of contracts, from contract award through to delivery and closure.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities and support mitigation strategies.
- Act as a commercial point of contact for internal stakeholders and customers.
- Provide commercial guidance to project teams across a portfolio of programmes.
- Assist with change management activities and contractual amendments.
- Participate in customer meetings, programme reviews and commercial discussions.
- Support business-winning activities and new contract opportunities.
- Ensure commercial activities are delivered in accordance with company processes and governance requirements.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes and best practices.
- Experience managing or supporting commercial contracts within a complex business environment.
- Understanding of contract negotiation and commercial management principles.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to identify and manage commercial risk.
- Experience working within project, programme or bid environments.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Comfortable working within cross-functional teams and collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Experience within the defence, aerospace, engineering or other highly regulated sectors.
- Knowledge of public sector or government contracting environments.
- Understanding of the full bid-to-contract lifecycle.
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- Excellent pension contribution.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Additional annual leave options.
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes within a collaborative and supportive environment.
If you’re interested in discussing the opportunity further, please apply or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Commercial Officer employer: Akkodis
Join a leading defence and technology organisation in Stevenage as a Principal Commercial Officer, where you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits including a strong pension contribution, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant programmes while developing your career in a supportive environment. Embrace the chance to work alongside cross-functional teams and enhance your skills in a complex, regulated sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Akkodis. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Akkodis.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Akkodis's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akkodis
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Akkodis.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Akkodis will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Akkodis employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
