At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and support business-winning activities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive health and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international contracts and shape future strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Law or relevant experience in commercial management required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers your potential.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 66000 £ per year.
Job Title: Commercial Manager
Location: Barrow-in-Furness (3 days per week onsite). We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: £55,000+ depending on skills and experience
What you’ll be doing:
- Support to all contract activity including the drafting and negotiation of complex terms and conditions and associated agreements with customers ensuring the interests of BAE Systems
- Responsible for all contract aspects of business winning
- Responsible for ensuring that contract activity is undertaken in accordance with BAE Systems Operational Framework and relevant business unit commercial processes including Request for Bid Approval
- Responsible for delivery of commercial interface with Procurement and flow-down of commercial contract requirements
- Support all Contract and Bid Status Reviews to justify, explain and clear ongoing commercial contract activities
- Contract interface with domestic and international customers
Your skills and experiences:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant subject, e.g. Law, or evidence of relevant experience
- Proven experience in commercial management within a major project or complex programme environment
- Skilled in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and associated agreements with domestic and international customers
- Strong understanding of bid management processes and experience supporting business-winning activities
- Knowledge of commercial governance frameworks and processes, including Request for Bid Approval
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Finance, Estimating, and Project Management
Benefits:
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The AUKUS Commercial team:
The SSNR programme is entering a pivotal phase of expansion, marked by the UK Programme of Record, the inclusion of an Australian partner under the tri-national AUKUS agreement, and planned investments in critical enablers to strengthen our capacity, capability, and resilience. This growth drives the need to establish a dedicated bid management function to develop high-quality, best-practice proposals that meet evolving customer requirements. This role presents an exciting opportunity to join a newly formed, innovative team working on unique international contracts and shaping the future of our bid and contracting strategy. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 19th February 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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Commercial Manager employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching BAE Systems inside out. Understand their projects, values, and the specifics of the SSNR programme. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their innovative team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, as well as your understanding of bid management processes. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your proven experience in commercial management within complex programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage contract activities effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract management and negotiation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully drafted or negotiated complex contracts, especially in a project environment.
✨Understand the Bid Process
Familiarise yourself with bid management processes and be ready to explain how you've supported business-winning activities in the past. Highlight any experience you have with Request for Bid Approval and how it aligns with the company's operational framework.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, think of examples that showcase your collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively worked with Procurement, Finance, and Project Management teams to achieve common goals.
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
BAE Systems is looking for someone who can contribute to their innovative team. Share your thoughts on how you can help shape the future of their bid and contracting strategy, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a growing and dynamic environment.