At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing commercial team and drive strategy in defence and aerospace.
- Company: Global leader in defence and aerospace with a dynamic, international environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and opportunities for strategic influence.
- Other info: Flexible working between Bristol and Portsmouth with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape commercial strategy on mission-critical programmes and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex, regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: Bristol or Portsmouth (hybrid working, with flexibility for commuting)
Overview
We are partnering with a global organisation operating at the forefront of the defence and aerospace sector to appoint a Head of Commercial. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering commercial strategy across a key business area reporting into the Group Commercial Director. This position offers the opportunity to lead an established commercial team while working on complex, high-value programmes in a dynamic, international environment.
The Role
As Head of Commercial, you will take ownership of all commercial activities across your portfolio, balancing both pre- and post-contract responsibilities. While the role spans the full commercial lifecycle, there is a strong emphasis on post-signature delivery, stakeholder engagement, and governance. A significant aspect of the role involves managing senior internal stakeholders, particularly across US-based teams, requiring strong influencing skills and the ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing commercial team
- Drive commercial strategy and governance across a defined business area
- Oversee contract negotiation, execution, and ongoing performance
- Ensure effective risk management and compliance with regulatory frameworks
- Act as a key interface with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership in the US
- Support business growth through input into bids, proposals, and customer engagements
- Provide commercial insight to support operational and strategic decision-making
About You
- Proven experience in a senior commercial leadership role within a complex environment (defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries preferred)
- Strong background across both pre- and post-contract commercial activities
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional and international teams
- Experience managing senior stakeholders, ideally within a global or US-facing structure
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance risk, opportunity, and delivery
- Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
What’s On Offer
- Senior leadership role with real strategic influence
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, mission-critical programmes
- Hybrid working model with flexibility across Bristol and Portsmouth
- Competitive salary package including bonus and benefits
Head of Commercial in Portsmouth employer: Arguile
As a leading global organisation in the defence and aerospace sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility for commuting between Bristol and Portsmouth, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to high-profile, mission-critical programmes. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for leadership development and strategic influence within a collaborative environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence and aerospace sectors, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies you're interested in. A personal introduction can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your influencing skills! Since you'll be managing senior stakeholders, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your ability to persuade and engage effectively. Role-playing with a friend can help!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Commercial. Highlight your experience in leading commercial teams and managing complex contracts, especially in defence or aerospace. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial strategy and engaged with stakeholders in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams. We’re looking for someone who can manage senior stakeholders effectively, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories in this area!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Know Your Commercial Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence and aerospace sectors. Understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led commercial teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to influence and engage stakeholders, especially in complex, international settings.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since contract negotiation is a key part of the role, come ready to share your negotiation successes. Discuss strategies you've employed to achieve favourable outcomes while balancing risk and opportunity, showcasing your commercial acumen.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in managing senior stakeholders, particularly in a global context. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated cross-functional teams and built relationships that drive business growth, as this will be crucial for the role.
