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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing commercial team and drive strategic initiatives 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 potential.
- Why this job: Shape commercial strategy on high-profile programmes and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex, regulated environments.
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 (PR/007243) in Portsmouth employer: Arguile
Contact Detail:
Arguile Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial (PR/007243) 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 our company. A personal introduction can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their commercial strategy right from the get-go.
✨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 during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and puts you one step closer to leading that high-performing commercial team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial (PR/007243) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant work in defence or aerospace to catch our eye!
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 role, focusing on your commercial strategy experience and stakeholder management skills. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive commercial success. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 the 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 Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership style and successes in managing commercial teams. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced cross-functional teams and navigated complex stakeholder environments, especially in a global context.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since the role involves contract negotiation, brush up on your negotiation strategies. Think of past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts, and be prepared to share these stories during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to engage with senior stakeholders by preparing questions that show your interest in their perspectives. This could include inquiries about their expectations for the role or how they envision collaboration between teams, particularly with US-based counterparts.