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- Tasks: Lead contract management and customer engagement in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a key player in the UK defence industry, supporting military aviation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, travel expenses covered, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical defence programmes while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in the defence industry and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: 6-month contract with potential for future opportunities.
Commercial Manager Defence / Aerospace Industry Location: Bristol (with some travel to Wiltshire on expenses) Contract: 6-month assignment, 37.5hrs per week Rate: £65 – £70 per hour Start Date: ASAP Clearance Required: BPSS (with eligibility for UK Security Clearance) Are you a Commercial Manager with prior UK defence industry experience ? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of a major UK defence programme, supporting long-term training and support services for military aviation platforms. About the Role The Commercial Manager will act as the commercial focal point for contract management, execution, and customer engagement. This role will suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can work autonomously, and is confident presenting reports and commercial insights to both internal stakeholders and external customers. You\’ll be based primarily in Bristol, with regular travel to a military base in Wiltshire, working on-site three days per week. Key Responsibilities Manage and interpret complex defence contracts, ensuring compliance and effective execution. Lead commercial change management, including additional tasking and change proposals. Provide contractual advice and guidance to internal teams and senior stakeholders. Build and maintain excellent relationships with the UK Ministry of Defence and other key partners. Lead negotiations and present complex change requests and proposals. Manage contract performance, including KPI monitoring, incentive reporting, and liability reporting. Ensure governance and risk mitigation through robust commercial processes. Partner with finance, programme, and technical teams to balance business performance with customer needs. Essential Skills & Experience Proven track record as a Commercial Manager within the defence industry. Strong ability to work independently, prioritising a diverse and demanding workload. Skilled at preparing and presenting reports to both internal leadership and external stakeholders. Excellent negotiation and customer relationship management skills. Strong understanding of UK MoD contracting processes and regulations. What We\’re Looking For A proactive commercial professional with high attention to detail. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to provide first-time quality responses in a dynamic environment. UK Citizenship (required for Security Clearance eligibility). 👉 This is a fantastic opportunity for a Commercial Manager with defence industry experience to make a real impact on critical UK defence programmes. Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business. We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website
Commercial Manager employer: Gold Group
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even referrals for the Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the UK Ministry of Defence's contracting processes and regulations. Understanding these intricacies will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex contracts or led negotiations. This will showcase your expertise and ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges within the defence industry. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will help you engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders and position yourself as a valuable candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the defence industry, particularly any roles that involved contract management and customer engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in negotiation and stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities and essential skills mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your ability to work autonomously and your experience with UK MoD contracting processes.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your previous roles as a Commercial Manager, focusing on your achievements in managing complex contracts and leading negotiations. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group
✨Showcase Your Defence Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in the UK defence industry. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role of Commercial Manager.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves leading negotiations, come ready with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved to showcase your expertise.
✨Prepare for Complex Contract Discussions
Familiarise yourself with complex defence contracts and be ready to discuss how you manage compliance and execution. This will demonstrate your understanding of the key responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management
The ability to build relationships is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders, particularly within the Ministry of Defence or similar organisations.
