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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and manage customer relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and security, committed to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, health perks, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture that values your unique perspective.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracting, negotiation, and understanding of legal and commercial frameworks required.
- Other info: Opportunities for international exposure and diverse cultural experiences await you.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Frimley || UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Gloucester || UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Leeds || UK, Europe & Africa : UK : London
Job Title: Commercial Manager
LOCATION: Hybrid – The role can be based in one of our offices in London or Frimley, but not essential, with other UK office locations (eg. Gloucester, Manchester or Leeds) also a possibility.. Some limited UK and international travel may be required from time to time.
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
What you\’ll be doing
- Acting as the primary customer interface for proposals and contractual matters
- Leading and influencing the negotiation plan and customer contract negotiations (customers will be a mixture of government and commercial organisations/businesses).
- Providing guidance to the business on commercial issues and internal governance including leading resolution of all issues.
- Identifying commercial risks and opportunities, devising appropriate mitigations including seeking, presenting and obtaining relevant approvals.
- Leading and supporting the preparation of proposals, contracts, SOWs and changes.
- Providing contract management support activities throughout the contract lifecycle, incl. for changes, claims and disputes
- Leading on close-out issues in the final stages of contracts
- Proactively engaging other functions to enhance the commercial solution
- Working with Procurement to leverage the supply base, and with Supply Management on managing back to back and flow-down risks
- Developing and applying expert knowledge of the products and services
- Influencing the price build-up, including recommending commercial contingencies
Your skills and experiences
- Knowledge and experience of contracting with customers in one of more of the following sectors: Defence, National Security and Central Government departments & agencies
- Some knowledge and experience of cross-border/international contracts
- Experience of contracting with commercial organisations and private business.
- Experience in bidding, drafting, negotiating and closing complex government and commercial B2B deals.
- Knowledge of legal issues, profitability requirements, contract structure, terms and conditions, sub-contract considerations, funding and payment plans
- Knowledge of various types of contracts, agreements and contracting mechanisms, and an understanding of different selling models for solutions, services and products
- Astute and detailed analytical ability to identify commercial risks and opportunities, and ability to devise a flexible range of mitigations
- Ability to understand and challenge project P&L accounts
- Knowledge and experience of contract management issues, including changes, claims and disputes
- Enthusiasm with high levels of self-motivation, integrity and resilience, with an ability to prioritise a demanding workload. Must be able to operate under pressure whilst maintaining the highest standards of conduct and professionalism
- Good communications skills and an ability to forge good working relationships with peers, colleagues and stakeholders, and the gravitas to work with senior levels of clients and internal stakeholders
- Ability to understand and work in different cultural situations, and adapt to commercial responsibilities in varied environments.
- Not essential but desirable if candidates can speak other languages (Spanish/German/Arabic).
The International Commercial Team covers all stages of the bid and contract cycle, from helping to shape commercial deals through to contract negotiation, closure and in-life management.
The role is primarily in respect to business winning and in-contract support for the EMEA region, but there will also be opportunities to support potential business in other regions, which will expose you to a diverse range of geographies, cultures and business practices.
Benefits
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing & lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive
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.
Job Title: Commercial Manager
Job City: Frimley
Professional Area: Commercial and Procurement
Job Req ID: 121450 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Commercial Manager employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific sectors mentioned in the job description, such as Defence and National Security. Understanding the nuances of these industries will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in commercial roles within government and private sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role heavily involves leading contract negotiations. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your points clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Research BAE Systems' recent projects and contracts to understand their business model and client base. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also help you tailor your approach to align with their strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management, particularly in sectors like Defence and National Security. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in contract negotiation and risk management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as leading negotiations and managing contracts.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical abilities and experience with complex B2B deals. Highlight any knowledge of legal issues and contract structures that would be beneficial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Commercial Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Commercial Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as contract negotiations, risk management, and proposal preparation. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in contracting, especially within sectors like Defence or National Security. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed complex deals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your analytical abilities by discussing how you've identified commercial risks and opportunities in past roles. Provide examples of how you devised mitigations and influenced decision-making processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Cultural Awareness
Since the role involves working across different geographies and cultures, be prepared to discuss your experiences in diverse environments. Share how you've adapted your approach to suit various cultural contexts, which will show your versatility and understanding of global business practices.