At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value defence bids and manage commercial negotiations.
- Company: Global leader in advanced gas detection and monitoring systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, profit share, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and contract negotiation within defence or aerospace.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth and strategic decision-making opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Your chance to join the global technology leader in advanced gas detection and monitoring systems. This is a company whose products support critical operations across defence, aerospace, deep‑sea, and industrial environments. This is a hybrid role, with offices just south of Middlesbrough – easily commutable from Sunderland, Darlington, Durham, etc.
The role would suit someone who has worked in commercial management, bid/tender/proposals management, or a similar role.
Key responsibilities:- Lead and coordinate complex, high-value defence sector bids, including MoD, NATO, and major defence primes.
- Own commercial and contractual negotiations, managing risk and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, customers, and strategic partners.
- Provide commercial input to strategic decision‑making, pricing, and programme delivery.
- Line manage the Contract Management function, mentoring and developing team members.
A competitive basic salary is on offer plus car allowance and employee profit share scheme. There is a range of excellent company benefits including generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy more), healthcare plan, pension, and more.
What we are looking for:- Significant experience in bid management, contract negotiation, or commercial roles within defence, aerospace, or complex engineering.
- Knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, and contract law.
- Proven experience leading end‑to‑end bids for projects of £1M+ and managing international defence tenders.
- Exceptional project management, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach and calmness under pressure.
- Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.
This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior, impactful role in a high‑performing business, working on innovative technology that supports safety and defence worldwide. Apply today!
Commercial Manager (Defence sector) in England employer: Hireful
Contact Detail:
Hireful Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Defence sector) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence sector, attend industry events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their role in the defence sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves commercial and contractual negotiations, being able to demonstrate your expertise in this area during interviews will set you apart. We suggest role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team in making a difference in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Defence sector) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid management and contract negotiation, especially within the defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 you've led and how they relate to our needs. We love a good story that showcases your strategic thinking!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully managed these relationships in past roles. We value collaboration and want to see how you can bring that to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hireful
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of bid management, especially within the defence sector. Brush up on your knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks and any relevant contract law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with senior stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the position, so think of specific instances where your engagement led to successful outcomes. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to connect and communicate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach strategic decision-making and problem-solving. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to be proactive and solutions-oriented, especially under pressure. This will highlight your capability to lead complex bids and manage risks effectively.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have a few insightful questions prepared that reflect your understanding of the company and its challenges in the defence sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!