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- Tasks: Lead commercial aspects of a major defence programme and build your own team.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation shaping the future of UK Defence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and share scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic initiative with autonomy and significant impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex sectors and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape your role and legacy from the ground up.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to shape the future of UK Defence. We’re seeking an exceptional commercial leader to join at the very start of a major, long-term programme that is set to become one of the most high-profile initiatives in the defence sector over the next 30+ years. This is your chance to take on a foundational role—leading the commercial workstream and building out your own team as the programme grows in scale and complexity. You’ll operate with a high degree of autonomy while engaging with senior stakeholders across industry and government.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all commercial aspects of a large-scale defence programme from inception
- Build and grow a commercial function tailored to programme needs
- Drive governance, compliance and risk mitigation across the full contract lifecycle
- Negotiate complex contracts, terms and agreements with high-value stakeholders
- Collaborate with legal, finance, engineering and delivery functions to shape strategic outcomes
- Develop innovative commercial strategies that ensure long-term programme success
About You:
- Proven experience leading commercial delivery in complex, regulated sectors (Defence, Rail, Aerospace, Nuclear, etc.)
- Track record of building and leading high-performing commercial teams
- Expert in negotiating and managing high-value, complex contracts
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including with senior government or MoD officials
- Able to operate with calm authority in a fast-paced and high-profile environment
- Degree-qualified or equivalent experience in contracts, commercial, legal or business disciplines
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive base salary of £80,000
- £6,000 car allowance
- Up to 25% annual bonus
- Company share scheme participation
- Opportunity to work on a programme of unprecedented scale and importance
- The chance to shape your role, your team and the long-term direction of a national capability
- Be part of something historic. Join at the ground level, build your legacy.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: Arguile Search
Contact Detail:
Arguile Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience in commercial roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges and trends within the UK Defence sector. Understanding current issues will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading commercial teams and negotiating complex contracts. Be ready to provide examples that showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage high-value stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, such as governance and compliance in defence contracts. This will allow you to speak confidently about how your skills align with the needs of the position during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading commercial delivery within complex, regulated sectors. Emphasise your track record of building high-performing teams and managing high-value contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to shape the future of UK Defence. Mention specific examples of your past achievements that align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Demonstrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills by providing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with senior officials or stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the position.
Showcase Innovative Strategies: Discuss any innovative commercial strategies you have developed in the past that led to successful outcomes. This will show your ability to think strategically and contribute to the long-term success of the programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile Search
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and build high-performing teams. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led a team or project, highlighting the outcomes and your leadership style.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the industry, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Given the nature of the role, expect questions around contract negotiations. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating complex contracts, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement, especially with senior government officials or MoD representatives. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships and navigated complex stakeholder environments in previous roles.
