Senior commercial Manager

Salary: GBP65000 - GBP80000 per annum

Location: Bournemouth Position: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are supporting an established defence and aviation organisation delivering specialist training, operational readiness and advanced capabilities across the UK, US and NATO countries.

They are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to oversee and optimise commercial performance across multiple complex contracts. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong commercial judgement, contract lifecycle management expertise and the ability to negotiate robust commercial outcomes within a highly regulated defence environment.

You will lead commercial activity from contract preparation and negotiation through to in-life management, contractual change and claims, ensuring contractual obligations are met, risks are managed effectively and commercial opportunities are maximised.

Candidates with experience in aviation, aerospace, military aviation and MOD contracting are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience with ITAR and export-controlled programmes would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of key contracts throughout the full contract lifecycle, ensuring delivery aligns with contractual obligations and business objectives.
• Draft, review, negotiate and manage complex contractual terms and conditions with customers, suppliers and government entities.
• Oversee contractual changes, variations, claims, disputes and commercial negotiations, ensuring controlled and commercially robust outcomes.
• Identify, assess and mitigate contractual, financial and commercial risks while maximising opportunities.
• Evaluate pricing, cash flow, margin, cost drivers and overall contract profitability to support sound commercial decision-making.
• Monitor contract performance against agreed KPIs, milestones, service levels and commercial objectives.
• Work with internal teams and external stakeholders to analyse performance data, identify root causes and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide commercial guidance and advice to senior leadership, programme teams and wider business functions.
• Maintain strong commercial governance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, corporate policies and approval frameworks.
• Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, the UK MOD, other government departments and international defence customers.
• Drive continuous improvement in contract management processes, commercial controls and risk management.
• Support the development of commercial capability across the wider organisation.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in commercial management, contract management or complex contracting roles.
• A proven track record of drafting, reviewing and negotiating contractual terms and conditions.
• Experience managing complex contracts throughout their lifecycle, including contract preparation, negotiation, in-life management and contractual change.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including an understanding of pricing, margin, cash flow, cost management and commercial value drivers.
• Demonstrable experience managing contractual risks, opportunities, variations and claims.
• Experience working within aviation, aerospace, defence or another complex, technically demanding contracting environment.
• Experience working with the UK MOD, government departments, military customers or international defence organisations would be highly advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret contractual and financial information to support commercial decisions.
• A relevant bachelor's degree in Commercial Management, Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law or a related discipline.

A professional qualification or membership such as MCIPS, WorldCC/IACCM or an equivalent commercial or contract management qualification would be advantageous.

Experience with MOD contract frameworks, ITAR, export controls, international defence programmes and corporate insurance would also be beneficial. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the commercial position, balance risk and opportunity, influence key stakeholders and deliver commercially robust outcomes across multiple contracts.

ITAR experience would be a valuable advantage, particularly for candidates who have worked with international defence customers or export-controlled programmes. However, strong commercial contract management experience within aviation and defence is the primary focus.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Pension contributions with up to 12% employer matching.
• Discounted private medical insurance.
• Electric car scheme and technology vouchers.
• Wellbeing programmes and additional employee benefits.

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