At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial negotiations and manage contracts for innovative space technology projects.
- Company: Dynamic player in the space technology sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge industry and make an impact on complex engineering projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in commercial roles, preferably in aerospace or defence sectors.
- Other info: Immediate start with opportunities for career growth in a regulated environment.
The predicted salary is between 79200 - 105840 £ per year.
An innovative player in the space technology sector is seeking an Interim Commercial Manager to lead commercial and contractual activity across UK programmes. This hands-on role focuses on contract negotiation, commercial governance, and supporting the delivery of complex, regulated engineering projects.
The Role Key Focus Areas
- Lead all commercial and contractual negotiations across UK programmes
- Provide commercial strategy guidance to internal stakeholders
- Manage commercial aspects of bids, proposals, and live projects
- Negotiate and manage contracts, MoUs, NDAs, and technical agreements
- Ensure appropriate risk assessment and regulatory compliance
- Maintain contractual records and commercial documentation
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years’ experience in commercial, contract management roles within aerospace or defence sectors
- Proven experience negotiating contracts in regulated, engineering-led environments
- Experience working with government or institutional customers (e.g. UK Government, ESA, MOD, NASA)
- Strong commercial judgement with solid negotiation capability
- Understanding of engineering-driven project delivery
- Knowledge of ESA GCCs, DEFCONs, or DEFSTANs would be beneficial
The Details
- Contract Length: Initial 4 months and potential for extension/perm
- Location: Oxfordshire - hybrid working
- Day rate: £380 outside IR35
- Start Date: Immediate
- Clearance: BPSS required before start
Commercial Manager - Practicus employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Practicus
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in contract negotiation and commercial governance. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about leading commercial negotiations, we suggest you role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing contracts and agreements during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates all in one place.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Practicus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in contract management and negotiations, especially in the aerospace or defence sectors. 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 interim role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to commercial governance and engineering delivery, so we can see your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key for this role, make sure to include examples of successful contract negotiations you've led. We love seeing concrete results, so if you can quantify your achievements, even better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contracts, especially those relevant to the aerospace and defence sectors. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of contracts you've negotiated and how you navigated complex regulatory environments.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your strong commercial judgement by discussing past experiences where your strategic guidance made a difference. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you’ve managed bids and proposals successfully.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulations and compliance requirements in the space technology sector. Being able to speak confidently about ESA GCCs, DEFCONs, or DEFSTANs will show that you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your negotiation skills and risk assessment capabilities. Think of situations where you had to make tough decisions and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.