At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and manage relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in contract management required.
- Other info: Opportunities for relocation support and professional growth within the team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness (3 days per week on-site)
Salary: Competitive
What You’ll Be Doing
- Reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and finalising contracts and commercial agreements with customers and suppliers
- Provision of contract management support, including contract administration, managing change, contract configuration, and contract closure
- Customer relationship management: applying a high degree of customer focus and developing and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Managing, developing, and mentoring junior members of the team
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience in drafting, writing, and negotiating contracts
- Demonstrable client/customer relationship management; ability to forge strong working relationships
- Ability to present in senior management forums
Desirable
- Knowledge of terms and conditions, types of contracts, commercial skillset, risks, and opportunities
- Defence sector experience
- Experience in managing and developing others
- Business acumen and submarines product knowledge
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 Commercial Team
As a member of the Commercial Team, you will work cross-functionally and with the customer. Your primary role will be to support the contact preparations, negotiation, bidding, writing and drafting, configuring, and managing of contacts. These consist of multi‑function teams, such as Project Management, Engineering, Technical Specialist, and Supply Chain. Career development is fully supported within the team, with the opportunity to move up to management level along with skillset development through further education and recognised training to facilitate lateral moves within the wider BAE business. Relocation support packages are available 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 that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
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 achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically require 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: 5th December 2025
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.
Principal Commercial Officer in England employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BAE Systems on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to contract management and customer relationship skills. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable presenting your experience and ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed client relationships. This will demonstrate your fit for the Principal Commercial Officer role.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BAE Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Commercial Officer role. Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, as well as your customer relationship management skills. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to present ideas clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully communicated with stakeholders or managed teams.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have any experience in the defence sector or knowledge of commercial contracts, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for candidates who can bring valuable insights and expertise to our team.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so head over to our website and apply as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your contract drafting and negotiation skills. Familiarise yourself with common terms and conditions, as well as the types of contracts relevant to the defence sector. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or presented in senior management forums. This will show that you can effectively convey complex information to various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Leadership
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing and mentoring junior team members. Think of specific instances where you've developed others' skills or contributed to their career growth. This will highlight your ability to lead and support a team, which is crucial for the Principal Commercial Officer position.
✨Research BAE Systems and Its Culture
Take some time to understand BAE Systems' values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding diversity and inclusion. Showing that you resonate with their mission will make a positive impression and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.