At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and develop strategies to drive performance and manage risk.
- Company: Draken, a forward-thinking company committed to fair rewards and recognition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, bonus incentives, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values diversity and offers career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Defence sector while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex contracts and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
About the Role
As Senior Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in supporting and, where appropriate, leading commercial activity across existing programmes and new business opportunities. Working within cross‑functional teams, you will act as a commercial expert—helping to shape and deliver commercial strategies that support Draken’s business objectives. This role requires the ability to interpret complex commercial, financial and technical data and translate it into pragmatic commercial solutions that drive performance, manage risk and maximise value.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor, manage and report on the commercial performance of programmes to ensure business objectives are achieved.
- Identify and manage contractual change throughout the contract lifecycle, maximising opportunity while mitigating risk.
- Support the preparation of business cases and briefing materials for Senior Management and Board reviews.
- Support programme delivery and bid financial performance within multi‑functional teams.
- Work closely with Finance to support invoicing and cash collection processes.
- Produce contractual performance reports for customers.
- Develop and deliver innovative commercial solutions to support bids, proposals and customer requirements, including complex due diligence activities.
- Negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and manage non‑routine contractual issues through senior stakeholders.
- Draft contracts, agreements and bespoke clauses for new and existing business.
- Own key commercial aspects of programmes, including customer relationships, dispute resolution, risk analysis and mitigation.
- Ensure robust contract administration and governance throughout programme delivery.
Qualifications
- Proven experience managing large, complex contracts, ideally with UK MOD customers.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements within the Defence sector (aerospace industry experience is desirable).
- Strong experience in programme financial management, including risk and opportunity management.
- Demonstrable customer relationship management experience.
- Excellent communication skills with a positive, flexible and collaborative approach.
- A strong track record of problem‑solving and driving performance through others.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally within the UK.
- Experience negotiating and managing UK Defence contractual frameworks.
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
Senior Commercial Manager in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bournemouth where innovation meets dedication in the defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive benefits and competitive salaries, ensuring our team members are well-supported in their roles. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your expertise and fosters meaningful contributions to cutting-edge aerospace and electronic warfare projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your commercial strategies and financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex contracts and driven performance in past roles—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities! Think of specific examples where you've navigated challenges in contract management or customer relationships. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Commercial Manager position at Draken!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with large contracts and any relevant work in the Defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Draken. Share specific examples of your achievements in commercial management and how they relate to our objectives.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can drive performance through innovative solutions, so share some examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Draken team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll need to interpret complex financial data. Brush up on key metrics related to commercial performance and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, especially within the Defence sector. Highlight your approach to managing non-routine contractual issues and how you’ve maximised opportunities while mitigating risks.
✨Understand the Business Objectives
Familiarise yourself with Draken's business goals and how the role aligns with them. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can help shape and deliver commercial strategies that support these objectives.
✨Build Rapport with Cross-Functional Teams
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with finance, operations, and other departments to achieve common goals.
