At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial growth through strategic partnerships and contract management in aerospace.
- Company: Join a fast-growing aerospace and defence tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to cutting-edge projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value defence programmes and innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Defence or Aerospace, strong communication, and contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
An opportunity to join one of Europe’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence technology businesses, developing advanced unmanned and autonomous systems used across some of the world’s most demanding operational environments. The organisation is recognised for combining proprietary hardware, software, and AI-driven intelligence solutions to support critical missions across defence, maritime surveillance, security, and space operations. With significant growth across international markets, they are continuing to scale their commercial function to support increasingly complex programmes and strategic partnerships. You would be joining a dynamic, highly collaborative environment where innovation moves quickly, decisions are impactful, and teams work closely together to deliver cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.
This role is centred around driving commercial growth through strategic partnerships, contract management, and market expansion across complex defence and aerospace programmes. You will be responsible for managing the full contract lifecycle, supporting commercial activities across bids, pricing, negotiations, execution, and close-out. Working closely with engineering, operations, finance, legal, and production teams, you will help transform innovative technologies into scalable commercial success.
Key Responsibilities- Manage the full contract lifecycle including bid support, contract negotiation, award, execution, variation, and close-out
- Support pricing activities including pricing models and cost build-ups
- Work across sourcing, procurement, and contract management activities
- Ensure compliance with Defence and Public Sector commercial frameworks and regulations
- Support the management of commercial risks, claims, disputes, and change control processes
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, production, operations, finance, legal, and commercial teams
- Assist in the development of strategic partnerships and commercial growth opportunities
- Maintain strong attention to detail across contractual documentation and reporting
- Support export control awareness activities including ITAR and EAR considerations where applicable
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within Defence, Aerospace, or the Public Sector
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement and contract management activities
- Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023, Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR), DEFCONs, and DEFSTANs
- Good understanding of contract structures including Firm Price, Cost Plus/Cost Reimbursable, and Framework Agreements
- Experience handling change control, claims, disputes, and commercial risk management
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Advanced English proficiency at C2 level
- Ideally holds SC Clearance or is willing to obtain it
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent is advantageous but not essential
This is an opportunity to join one of Europe’s most exciting unmanned technology businesses at a pivotal stage of growth. You will work on complex, high-value defence programmes with genuine influence across commercial strategy and contract delivery. The role offers strong exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to play a key part in scaling innovative technology within highly regulated global markets.
Commercial Manager in Bristol employer: Astraea
Join a leading aerospace and defence technology company in Bristol, where innovation thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment. As a Commercial Manager, you will benefit from hybrid working, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that have real-world impact. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to excellence, this organisation is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful contribution in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their products and how they fit into the market. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle contracts and pricing discussions. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in contract management and strategic partnerships, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on in defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the aerospace and defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth or managed complex contracts in the past.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Given the nature of the role, we’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate a high level of accuracy. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors, and consider including examples of how you’ve maintained attention to detail in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astraea
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract management and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Firm Price, Cost Plus, and Framework Agreements. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've managed relationships across engineering, finance, and legal departments. This is crucial for a Commercial Manager, so be ready to impress!
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Research the latest trends in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially around unmanned technology. Being able to discuss current challenges and opportunities will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field and your readiness to contribute to the company's growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as handling disputes or managing commercial risks. Prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
