At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape commercial strategy and lead end-to-end activities in defence programmes.
- Company: Join a leading defence organisation with a focus on innovation and governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical and dental cover, career development, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence contracting and strong financial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Shape commercial strategy across complex defence programmes while building structured, scalable commercial frameworks. You will influence key decisions, strengthen governance and develop into broader commercial leadership.
Location and setup: Hybrid working (1-2 days a week) in Portsmouth, with travel to other sites as required. This is a permanent, full-time role.
What you will be doing:
- Lead end to end commercial and contractual activity from early opportunity through to contract completion and close out.
- Provide commercial leadership across a portfolio of programmes, ensuring governance, compliance and risk management are applied consistently.
- Support bid activity with pricing strategy, contract review and commercial input to secure new work.
- Deliver financial oversight across projects including cost control, margin protection and performance tracking.
- Manage and enhance supply chain performance, building resilience and improving supplier outcomes.
- Partner with leadership and delivery teams to ensure commercial decisions are timely, informed and aligned to business strategy.
- Develop and embed best practice commercial processes that enable sustainable growth.
Your experience:
- Strong background in defence contracting, including familiarity with industry standards and frameworks.
- Experience supporting both bids and live programme delivery in a commercial capacity.
- Sound financial awareness including reporting, forecasting and risk evaluation.
- Ability to influence at all levels and build effective working relationships across complex organisations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced and evolving environment.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to identify commercial risks and opportunities and act decisively.
What you will need:
- SC clearance eligibility with willingness to undertake vetting.
- Proven commercial experience within defence or highly regulated sectors.
- Strong knowledge of contracts, terms and conditions and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to negotiate effectively and make sound commercial decisions under pressure.
- Experience managing stakeholders across delivery teams, suppliers and customers.
These vacancies require security clearance. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain relevant clearance.
Benefits and balance:
- Private family medical cover supporting you and your household.
- Private family dental cover providing additional health security.
- Structured career development pathways that support long term progression.
- Annual performance related bonus of up to 10 percent.
Commercial Manager in Portsmouth employer: Electus Recruitment
As a Commercial Manager in Portsmouth, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid working environment that promotes a balanced work-life culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured career development pathways and comprehensive health benefits, including private medical and dental cover for you and your family. Join us to influence key decisions in the defence sector while enjoying a rewarding career with opportunities for performance-related bonuses and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around commercial strategy and governance. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past successes in commercial management, especially in defence contracting. This can set you apart from other candidates and give you a chance to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to land that Commercial Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in defence contracting and commercial management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence. Use specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed teams or projects, and how you’ve made impactful decisions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Electus Recruitment
✨Know Your Defence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of defence contracting and industry standards. Familiarise yourself with the specific frameworks relevant to the role, as this will show that you’re not just a generalist but someone who understands the nuances of the sector.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing commercial activities, especially in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced key decisions and ensured compliance and governance in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Since financial oversight is crucial for this role, come prepared to talk about your experience with cost control, margin protection, and performance tracking. Use specific metrics or outcomes from previous projects to illustrate your points.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills. During the interview, focus on how you can build effective working relationships. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to influence at all levels and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
