At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities for bids and proposals in the Defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading Defence organisation supporting the UK Ministry of Defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge digital programmes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence with innovative strategies and complex projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in Commercial Management and Bids within the UK Defence sector.
The predicted salary is between 67.5 - 82.5 £ per hour.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to join a leading Defence organisation supporting the UK Ministry of Defence. This is a senior commercial position within the Digital business, focused on leading commercial activity across competitive bids, proposals and growth opportunities, while also providing strategic commercial support across a portfolio of complex defence programmes.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will play a key role in securing new business by leading the commercial aspects of major competitive bids, framework opportunities and contract negotiations. You'll work closely with Bid Managers, Programme Managers and senior stakeholders to develop winning commercial strategies, manage contractual risk and ensure compliance with UK defence regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial delivery of competitive bids, proposals and framework submissions.
- Develop commercial strategies that maximise the probability of winning while protecting business interests.
- Review, draft and negotiate complex contract terms and conditions.
- Provide commercial leadership throughout the full bid lifecycle, including governance reviews and approvals.
- Support pricing strategies, cost estimates and commercial business cases.
- Lead contract change proposals and negotiations where required.
- Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
- Prepare and review Statements of Work (SoW).
- Ensure compliance with UK procurement regulations, SSCR and internal governance processes.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and UK MOD customers.
- Support contract management activities across existing defence programmes when required.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced commercial professional who has operated within complex UK defence environments and has a proven track record of delivering successful bids and proposals.
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience in Commercial or Contract Management within the UK Defence sector.
- Strong experience leading Bids & Proposals for complex defence programmes.
- Demonstrable experience negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts.
- Excellent understanding of UK MOD contracting, procurement regulations and commercial governance.
- Experience developing commercial strategies for competitive tenders.
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- Ability to identify and manage commercial risk throughout the bid lifecycle.
Highly Desirable
- Experience supporting Digital, IT, Software, Communications, Cyber or Information Systems programmes.
- Knowledge of Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).
- Experience working on UK Government Frameworks.
- World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC/IACCM) qualification.
- Degree in Business, Law or a related discipline.
Key Skills
- Bids & Proposals
- Commercial Strategy
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Management
- UK MOD Contracts
- SSCR
- Procurement Regulations
- Risk & Opportunity Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Commercial Governance
- Pricing & Cost Proposals
- Defence Digital Programmes
Senior Commercial Manager in Bristol employer: Mane Contract Services
Mane Contract Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northern Ireland where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to enhance their skills in lean manufacturing and heavy equipment engineering. The company fosters a supportive culture that values teamwork and encourages employees to contribute to meaningful projects that drive efficiency and excellence in manufacturing.
