At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and manage contracts in a high-growth tech environment.
- Company: Join a leading innovation-driven technology business in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical cover, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear progression opportunities in a mission-driven team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by scaling innovative technology in critical operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in Defence or Aerospace with strong contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 DOE + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Location: Bristol (Hybrid – minimum three days onsite)
Employment: Full Time, Permanent
This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, innovation-led technology business operating at the forefront of defence, aerospace, and advanced engineering. The organisation is a recognised leader in delivering cutting-edge surveillance and intelligence solutions, supporting critical operations across maritime, land, space, and cyber environments.
With continued investment and expansion, the business offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where commercial professionals can play a key role in scaling innovative technology into real-world impact.
The Role
As a Commercial Manager, you will take ownership across both strategic and delivery-focused commercial activity, supporting the growth of complex, high-value programmes. This role combines bid support, contract management, and commercial strategy, working across internal teams and customer-facing environments to drive successful outcomes.
Commercial Manager Responsibilities:
- Manage the full contract lifecycle from bid support through to execution and close-out
- Lead and support bid activity, including commercial input and negotiation strategy
- Develop and support pricing models and cost build-ups
- Lead contract negotiations and manage commercial risk across programmes
- Handle contract variations, change control, and claims management
- Ensure compliance with relevant defence and public sector frameworks
- Work cross-functionally with engineering, finance, legal, and operations teams
- Contribute to wider commercial strategy and programme delivery
Commercial Manager Benefits:
- £65,000 - £70,000 salary DOE + discretionary bonus
- Flexible hybrid working model, typically three days a week onsite
- Company pension contribution
- Private medical and dental cover
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Clear progression within a high-growth, innovative business
- Access to flexible benefits and salary sacrifice schemes
Commercial Manager Requirements:
This role would suit someone who:
- Has experience within Defence, Aerospace, or a regulated/public sector environment
- Has strong experience in contract management, bids, and commercial strategy
- Is comfortable operating across both strategic and delivery-focused activity
- Can work in both customer-facing and internal stakeholder environments
- Has strong commercial awareness and risk management capability
- Is highly organised with excellent communication skills
Desirable:
- Knowledge of defence-related regulations (e.g. DEFCON, DEFSTAN, SSCR)
- Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023
- MCIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Awareness of export controls (ITAR/EAR)
- SC clearance or eligibility to obtain
To Be Considered:
Please either apply by clicking online or emailing me directly to Charlie.doyle@hirecracker.com. For further information, call 01244 739 301 or 07736 920 086. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process & submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
Key Skills: Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, Defence, Aerospace, Public Sector, Contract Management, Bid Management, Pricing, Commercial Strategy, SC Clearance, Hirecracker, HCSales, HCFinance
Commercial Manager in Bristol employer: Hirecracker
Join a pioneering technology firm in Bristol that is at the forefront of defence and aerospace innovation. As a Commercial Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven culture that prioritises employee growth and offers a flexible hybrid working model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits. With clear pathways for progression and a commitment to impactful work, this is an exceptional opportunity for professionals eager to make a difference in high-value programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and aerospace sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and innovations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission-driven environment. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to handle contract negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and managing commercial risks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that Commercial Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your contract management and bid support experience, as well as any relevant work in defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your commercial strategy skills and ability to manage complex programmes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working with various teams and stakeholders, make sure to highlight your excellent communication skills in your application. Give examples of how you've successfully navigated customer-facing environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hirecracker
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in the defence and aerospace sectors. Familiarise yourself with key terms like DEFCON and DEFSTAN, as well as the Procurement Act 2023. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also genuinely engaged with the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in contract management, bids, and commercial strategy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see how you've successfully handled similar challenges before.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Since this role involves managing commercial risk, be prepared to discuss your approach to identifying and mitigating risks in previous projects. Think of examples where you successfully navigated challenges and how you ensured compliance with relevant frameworks.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's growth plans and how the Commercial Manager role fits into their overall strategy. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
