At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and negotiate deals in the defence and security sector.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in advanced communications solutions.
- Benefits: Excellent personal growth opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with a focus on creativity and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK defence while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Are you interested in contributing to the UK's defence and security, with a company developing and delivering advanced communications solutions? Do you have experience in contract management and contract negotiation? Do you want to help close business contracts in a company which offers you excellent personal growth opportunities?
As a leader in the defence and space industry, a Commercial Manager is sought by Airbus to play a central role in the preparation, negotiation and management of all commercial commitments across all stages from acquisition of project to contract closure relating to UK Space Digital (SD) projects. Our customer's need 'Information Superiority' - and SD has been delivering mission critical services for decades and is investing to keep our customers ahead of the game.
Our Commercial and Contracts team is empowered to bring the customer expectations and the internal company requirements into a commercial strategy. We identify and manage the commercial risks from the pre-bid phase up to project closure; as well as acting as focal point for offers and contracts and lead the commercial contract negotiation make informed decisions, building resilience into our network and setting best in class standards.
To be successful in this role you will have a passion for developing close working relationships with customers whilst understanding and managing large contracts, in addition to taking satisfaction of employing and sharing best practice whilst improving processes within an organisation and team.
These are exciting times at Airbus as the scope of work in Secure Communications continues to develop. We are looking for people to join us who share our values which are:
- Team work - We feel, act and behave as one large family - We are One - and create an engaging and inclusive workplace that favours wellbeing, fun and trust to drive team work
- Customer - We partner with our customers to deliver valuable and sustainable solutions together
- Reliability - Our reliability drives our competences and mind-set to deliver on time, on cost and on quality
- Respect - We treat each other and all stakeholders as we wish to be treated, with respect, embracing diversity
- Creativity - We are curious, courageous, passionate, open-minded and recognise creativity at all levels
- Integrity - We act with integrity and take appropriate consequences to eradicate un-ethical and non-compliant behaviours
The position on offer is for Commercial Manager within the SD Business Unit. You will be joining a Commercial team of approximately 10 people and a wider multi-disciplined Programme Line of 100+. This position can be based at our Airbus Defence and Space sites in Stevenage or Portsmouth.
Responsibilities
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 relationship 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
Skill Set
Essential skills & experience:
- Demonstrated experience within the commercial field
- 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 or ability to pass clearance at SC level
Desirable skills & experience
- Cross-functional interaction with projects, finance, engineering and sales
- Experience working with the UK MOD 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
- 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
Please note: Current SC clearance is required for this role.
Commercial Manager employer: Lorien
Airbus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development within the defence and space industry, all while fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, and integrity. Located in Stevenage or Portsmouth, employees benefit from engaging workplace practices that prioritise wellbeing and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to contribute to critical national security projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and space industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll get a chance to talk about your experience in contract management or negotiation. Have a clear, concise summary of your skills and achievements ready to go, so you can impress potential employers on the spot.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interview, dive deep into Airbus and their projects. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and negotiation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Commercial Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to interact and influence various stakeholders. We value teamwork and collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability:We’re looking for someone who can tackle challenges head-on. Include specific instances where you’ve identified problems and implemented effective solutions, especially in a commercial context.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Airbus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your contract management and negotiation skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed contracts or navigated complex negotiations. This will show that you understand the intricacies of the role.
✨Understand the Defence Industry
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence and space industry, especially regarding UK Space Digital projects. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the sector will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves managing key stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with customers or internal teams to deliver successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Best Practices
Be ready to discuss how you've employed commercial best practices in your previous roles. Highlight any processes you've improved or innovative solutions you've implemented, as this aligns with the company's values of creativity and continuous improvement.
