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- Tasks: Own commercial relationships from start to signature, shaping deals and winning new work.
- Company: A lean engineering firm focused on high-integrity solutions for defence and critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, early finishes, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on role where trust and quality matter, making a real impact in defence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a commercial role, ideally in defence; strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: No corporate fluff; enjoy a flat structure and genuine ownership of your work.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Tired of playing middleman for deals that never go anywhere? Still stuck chasing quotes, pushing proposals, and getting ghosted by procurement? If you're ready to own the commercial relationship from start to signature and work with a team that gets engineering, this one's worth a look.
What makes this different:
- You won't be buried under layers of red tape or reduced to a KPI-puppet.
- This is a hands-on commercial role in a business that still builds stuff that matters - and builds it well.
- Think specialist engineering solutions into defence, with short lead times, big specs, and even bigger expectations.
- You'll be the link between technical teams and the customer - helping shape deals, win new work, and build relationships that actually last.
What they're about:
- This isn't a startup. But it's not a bloated corporation either.
- The company's part of a wider group, but this site runs lean - focused on design, build, and delivery of engineered-to-order products into high-integrity environments.
- You'll be sitting in the defence side of the business, the serious end - where trust, quality and delivery matter.
- Their gear ends up in military platforms, critical infrastructure, and other places where failure simply isn't an option.
What's in it for you:
- Real ownership - not just account management, but strategy and growth.
- Hybrid working after probation - a couple of days a week in Colchester, rest is yours to manage.
- 25 days holiday, Christmas shutdown, and early Friday finishes.
- 4% pension, life cover, and company sick pay.
- Cycle to work, mental health support, and learning & development budget.
- A flat structure and a grown-up culture - zero micro-managing, zero fluff.
Who would thrive here:
- You've spent time in manufacturing, ideally in defence or a similarly regulated industry.
- You understand how long sales cycles work, how to keep deals moving, and how to write proposals that don't sound like every other bid in the inbox.
- You're a natural relationship builder - not in a cheesy networker way, but because you get the value of trust, clarity and follow-through.
- You can hold your own in a commercial negotiation, push back when needed, and still leave people keen to work with you again.
Ideally, you've got:
- 5+ years in a commercial or customer-facing role.
- BPSS clearance, or at least the willingness to get it sorted.
- Proven track record in defence or related sectors.
- A brain for contracts, pricing and market intelligence.
- The ability to influence without relying on title or hierarchy.
Fancy a proper commercial role, without the corporate fog? Drop your CV, or just reach out for a quick, no-pressure chat. If it's a fit, we'll tell you everything you want to know.
Commercial Manager in Colchester employer: Elev8 Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Elev8 Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the defence industry and its specific challenges. Understanding the nuances of this sector will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the engineering and defence sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights that could give you an edge in conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in managing commercial relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex negotiations and built lasting partnerships, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and achievements. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to tailor your conversation to highlight how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial roles, particularly in manufacturing or defence. Emphasise your relationship-building skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage deals effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that speaks directly to the job description. Mention your understanding of long sales cycles and your experience in writing proposals that stand out. Show enthusiasm for the hands-on nature of the role and how you can contribute to their success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as negotiation, contract management, and market intelligence. Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced outcomes without relying on hierarchy, showcasing your ability to build trust and clarity.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position. This shows initiative and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elev8 Recruitment Ltd
✨Understand the Industry
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the defence sector and its unique challenges. Familiarise yourself with recent developments, key players, and regulations that impact the industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Highlight instances where trust and clarity were key to closing deals or resolving conflicts. This will illustrate your ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with contracts, pricing strategies, and market intelligence. Prepare to explain how you've influenced decisions in past roles without relying on authority. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to drive growth.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to commercial relationships and their expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
