At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial contract negotiations and manage complex bids in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a reputable company with over 30 years in aviation and aerospace recruitment.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with potential for contract extension and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence industry while developing your negotiation and management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles, particularly in defence, with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Our client has an opportunity for a Commercial Manager to join them on a contract basis for 6 months with possible extension. You will be the focal point for offers and contracts and lead the commercial contract negotiation, making informed decisions, building resilience into the network and setting best in class standards.
Location: Can be based out of Portsmouth, Stevenage or Newport - 80% onsite
Hours: 37 hours per week
Hourly Rate: £48 per hour via an Umbrella company, inside IR35
Clearance: Active SC required on application
What you'll be doing:
- Reporting directly to the UK Head of Department within the Commercial and Contracts function, you will be responsible for managing a range of Contractual and Commercial topics including:
- Providing Commercial support to complex bids which require innovation and creativity
- Ongoing management of contracts ranging in values and up to hundreds of millions
- Providing Commercial support to manage change on existing contracts
- Reviewing and leading the negotiation of a variety of contractual agreements
- Working closely with and managing key stakeholders to deliver profitable solutions ensuring that Commercial risks are highlighted, mitigated and governance is followed
- Working with the procurement organisation to advise on key contractual obligations and risks, ensuring flow down of key terms
- Managing in accordance with company procedures and contractual requirements, to ensure efficient and accurate performance
- Developing relationships with customers to ensure smooth running of existing contracts
- Working flexibly to provide support to the wider business in order to provide commercial guidance and management
- Employing commercial best practice, efficiency and responsiveness within an ethical environment
Requirements:
Essential skills & experience:
- Demonstrated experience within the commercial field
- Experience in Defence and understanding of DEFCON standards
- Experience in a customer facing role
- Experience in a competitive bid situation
- Proven negotiation and contract management skills
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to interact and influence across a range of stakeholders
- Knowledge of the defence industry
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving ability
- Understands the principles of project management, risk management and finance
- Security cleared
Desirable skills & experience:
- Cross-functional interaction with projects, finance, engineering and sales
- Experience working with the UK MOD or Government on a range of proposals and contracts
- Knowledge of Single Source Regulations and contracting in accordance with the Defence Reform Act
- Experience in preparing and executing winning proposals
- Contract management and negotiation experience
- Supplier management experience
- A self-starter, capable of delivering a high-quality complex workload with minimum supervision
- Experience in the subject of continuous improvement
- Relevant qualification, ideally to degree level
If you are interested in applying for this position and you meet the requirements, please apply immediately!
Commercial Manager - Defence employer: Line Up Aviation
As a leading specialist in aviation and aerospace recruitment, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises integrity and excellence. With opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to make impactful decisions while working on high-stakes contracts within the defence sector. The Portsmouth, Stevenage, or Newport locations provide a dynamic setting for those looking to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Defence
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Line Up Aviation.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Line Up Aviation might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Line Up Aviation will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Line Up Aviation. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Line Up Aviation confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Line Up Aviation
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Line Up Aviation.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Line Up Aviation that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
