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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate contracts and manage customer relationships in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in the defence sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in contract negotiation are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with relocation support and opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 50800 £ per year.
Job TitlePrincipal Commercial Officer
LocationBarrow-in-Furness (3 days per week on-site)
SalaryCompetitive
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, developing and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
Managing, developing and mentoring junior members of the team
Your skills and experiencesEssential
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
BenefitsAs 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 teamAs 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. 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 Date19th November 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.
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Principal Commercial Officer employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at BAE Systems. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your communication skills. Since this role involves a lot of client interaction and contract negotiation, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples. When discussing your past roles, focus on specific situations where you successfully managed contracts or built strong relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the Principal Commercial Officer position.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the team at BAE Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating contracts. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Commercial Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can present ideas effectively, so let your writing reflect that ability right from the start.
Highlight Relationship Management Experience: Demonstrate your client/customer relationship management skills by sharing specific examples. We love seeing how you’ve built strong working relationships in the past, so make sure to include those stories in your application!
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 shows you’re keen to join our team at BAE Systems!
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 specific types of contracts relevant to the defence sector. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or presented in senior management forums to highlight your capabilities.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As a Principal Commercial Officer, you'll be managing and mentoring junior team members. Think about your leadership style and prepare to discuss how you've developed others in the past. This will show that you're not just a great negotiator but also a supportive team player.
✨Research BAE Systems and Its Culture
Understanding the company's values and culture is crucial. Familiarise yourself with BAE Systems' commitment to diversity and inclusion, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this environment. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
