At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for defence programmes and manage the full contract lifecycle.
- Company: Lockheed Martin, a leader in innovative military communications and space technology.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and extensive employee support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of secure military communications and make a real impact on national security.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management within the UK defence sector and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognise the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximise value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruitment@global.lmco.com.
Required skills, qualifications and experience
- Strong experience in contract management within the UK defence sector, including involvement in complex bids and high-value programmes
- Confidence to review, interpret and negotiate contractual terms independently, with minimal supervision
- Recognised expertise in contract management, with a solid grasp of advanced contracting techniques and tools
- A driven, commercially astute professional with a track record of securing favourable outcomes for the business
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, deadline-driven contracts and bid environment, with a mindset that embraces challenge
- Working knowledge of DEFCONs and their practical application
- Able to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight timescales in a dynamic setting
- Strong capability in identifying, assessing and mitigating contractual risks, with a solutions-focused approach to issue resolution
- Experience leading or managing others, with the ability to support and develop team capability
- Emerging specialist with the credibility to influence and add value across the business
- Clear and confident communicator, with strong presentation skills across all levels of internal and external stakeholders
- Flexibility to travel within the UK and internationally as required
- UK citizenship, with current SC clearance or the ability to obtain it
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, with significant professional experience in contract management
Desirable experience
- Exposure to the space industry or adjacent sectors
- Experience in bid writing and proposal development
- Familiarity with framework agreements
- Professional accreditation such as World Commerce & Contracting (Advanced Practitioner)
- CIPS qualification or similar (beneficial but not essential)
Business Environment
By bringing together people that use their passion for purposeful innovation, at Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. At Lockheed Martin, we place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering innovation, integrity, and exemplifying the embodiment of corporate responsibility.
Lockheed Martin Space is one of the four major business areas within Lockheed Martin. LMUK Space is at the forefront of Lockheed Martin's International growth strategy including building exquisite satellites for a broad array of missions, ground station mission planning and command & control software products deployed to a diverse customer base as well as key capabilities in AI and space exploration and all underpinned by key strategic collaborations with universities in the UK. We not only deliver on current requirements, Lockheed Martin are always focused on the future requirements of this exciting and growing space domain which is a key enabler to our daily lives and future safety and security.
About the Role
Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow. This is your chance to work on mission‑critical technology, develop cutting‑edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to play a central role in shaping and delivering commercial strategy across a diverse portfolio of defence programmes. This position carries responsibility for the full contract lifecycle - from early capture and proposal development through to contract award and ongoing administration. Close collaboration with programme management, finance, legal, engineering, business development and compliance teams is essential, providing trusted advice and ensuring contracts are structured, negotiated and managed to support both customer outcomes and business objectives. The role acts as the primary interface with customer representatives, building strong professional relationships and leading negotiations with confidence. Success depends on the ability to navigate complex contractual challenges, resolve issues effectively and deliver practical, commercially sound solutions. As an authorised representative of the business, the position ensures that all contractual activities comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal governance requirements. The role also supports audits, contributes to continuous improvement of contract practices, and helps embed best‑in‑class approaches across the organisation. This is a high‑impact opportunity offering strong visibility, influence and the chance to shape delivery across critical programmes.
What we offer you
At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more. We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off. We offer competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement. We have a wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Competitive Pension
- Dental
- Critical Illness
- Life Assurance
- Travel Insurance
- Employee discounts for top high street shops
- Employee Assistance Program which includes free face to face counselling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc
- Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes
- Reimbursement for a professional membership
- Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave
Commercial Manager - LMUK Space Programmes in Havant employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Lockheed Martin is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With flexible working options, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and professional development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Joining Lockheed Martin means being part of a team that is at the forefront of innovation in the space sector, contributing to critical national security programmes while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - LMUK Space Programmes in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Lockheed Martin. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s values and recent projects, especially in the space sector. Show us how your skills align with their mission and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate confidence in discussing contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to sharpen your approach and build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you think you don’t meet every single requirement, we value diverse experiences. Share your unique perspective and how it can enhance our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - LMUK Space Programmes in Havant
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 contract management within the UK defence sector and any relevant skills that align with the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have the right background!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve secured favourable outcomes in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results, so if you’ve led successful bids or managed complex contracts, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your contract management knowledge, especially within the UK defence sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of complex bids you've worked on and how you navigated contractual challenges.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Commercial Manager, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts on contract negotiations and stakeholder interactions. Use examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and influence decisions.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've identified and mitigated contractual risks in past roles. Think of scenarios where you provided practical solutions under tight deadlines, showcasing your commercial acumen and proactive mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DEFCONs
Since working knowledge of DEFCONs is important for this role, make sure you understand their practical applications. Prepare to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in previous positions and how they can benefit Lockheed Martin's projects.
