Commercial Manager in Bristol

As a Commercial Manager in the Commercial Delivery Team, you will be part of a dedicated and diverse team focusing on the delivery of the contract and supporting the site Operations team. You will build relationships with our stakeholders internally across all areas of the business, and externally with customer and supplier organisations. You will have the opportunity to be the main Commercial point of contact for a UKMFTS site, interface with the customer and directly manage the supply chain.

You will:

• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant policies, Commercial professional standards and legislation such as ITAR and Export Control.
• Identify & manage Commercial risks/issues, ensuring robust action plans and mitigation plans are fully costed.
• Work in partnership with our customer, and other stakeholders, to ensure customer/supplier compliance with contracts.
• Provide Commercial & Legal insight, knowledge and guidance to the rest of the business and at all times protecting Ascent's interests.
• Ensure Commercial data is available and communicated to key Stakeholders, ensuring Senior Leadership Team and Ascent Board are adequately informed to provide appropriate strategic direction and support.

What will make you successful as a Commercial Manager:

• You will already have a solid foundation in Commercial and Contract Management, having responsibility for key contractual deliverables.
• You will thrive when working with stakeholders across all levels coupled with your ability to truly understand our business from a commercial standpoint.
• You will have strong communication skills, and a proven track record of building and maintaining positive relationships and ensuring a strong customer focus.
• You will love working in an environment where alternative tailored solutions are the answer, being able to navigate both yourself and stakeholders to a positive solution.
• You will know the importance of being able to work successfully in situations that can often be pressured.

And you will also:

• Have experience in contract delivery and management, in a commercial organisation or public sector.
• Be able to demonstrate experience of working in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Have strong presentation skills, targeting a wide audience from customers to internal stakeholders.
• Be able to demonstrate courage and the ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ideally hold or be working towards WCC (or similar Commercial professional body) accreditation.

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you.

Working Arrangements:

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week. Typically worked on a 9 in 10 working pattern, with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office or onsite, and up to three days working from home. Alternative hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

We're proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether you're working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality, and work-life balance.

Security Clearance:

Please note that many roles within Ascent Flight Training are subject to strict security restrictions. These may affect your eligibility based on factors such as your nationality (current and former), place of birth or residency history. All applicants must, at a minimum, meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). In addition, many positions require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically demand more thorough background checks. This role requires the successful candidate to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.

Our Values:

We believe that great training starts with great people and our values guide how we work, lead, and grow together:

• Accountability & Empowerment – We take ownership of our actions and empower others to succeed. Everyone is trusted to make a difference.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism in everything we do.
• Courage – We face challenges head on, speak up for what's right, and embrace change with confidence.
• Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and celebrate shared success.

These values aren’t just words, they’re how we build trust, deliver excellence, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive. We champion diversity and inclusion because we believe that embracing different perspectives fuels creativity and growth. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we actively support individuals with disabilities through fair recruitment, tailored accommodations, and inclusive workplace schemes, including apprenticeships and work experience. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch and let us know.

The Company:

Ascent Flight Training was appointed in 2008 to design and deliver a modern and efficient flying training system by the UK MOD. Created as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin UK and Babcock International; and is responsible within the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS) for the training design and training delivery that creates the next generation of aircrew.

The Benefits:

• Equivalent to 25 days annual leave with options to work flexibly (hours, working location, job share, etc.).
• We offer company maternity and paternity pay to all employees with over 2 years' service.
• The opportunity to work in a fast paced and evolving company that is at the forefront of Military Aviation Training.
• Our competitive benefits package includes BUPA Private Medical Insurance for yourself and family and Life Assurance.
• At Ascent we pride ourselves at having a friendly and respectful work culture; we believe this enables our staff to perform to the best of their ability within a passionate environment.
• We offer a competitive salary, enhanced family friendly benefits and up to 6% matched pension contribution. We also offer length of service rewards for our long serving colleagues.