At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and manage contracts for a major government defence programme.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the defence, aerospace, and government sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000-£100,000 plus benefits and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and leadership in a highly regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical government projects while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in commercial management within defence or government sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity for a Senior Commercial Manager has arisen to join a leading organisation operating within the defence, aerospace and government sector.
This is a high-profile position supporting a strategically important government programme, where you will take ownership of the commercial and contractual delivery of a major long-term project, leading commercial strategy, customer engagement and supplier management activities throughout the programme lifecycle.
This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, government customers and key suppliers, whilst influencing commercial strategy and supporting critical business objectives within a highly regulated environment.
- Role - Senior Commercial Manager
- Location - Buckinghamshire (hybrid working)
- Type - Permanent position
Key responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Manager role include, but are not limited to:
- Lead all commercial and contractual activities across a major government programme throughout the full project lifecycle.
- Act as the primary commercial point of contact for the customer, managing contractual relationships and negotiations.
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including contract amendments, framework agreements, procurement contracts, subcontracts and non-disclosure agreements.
- Provide expert commercial and contractual advice to programme teams and wider business stakeholders.
- Work closely with senior programme leadership to develop and implement commercial strategies that minimise risk and maximise commercial opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements and relevant UK and US statutory obligations.
- Manage key suppliers and subcontractors to ensure programme deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
- Support the successful delivery of long-term government framework and strategic procurement contracts.
- Collaborate with internal functions including programme management, procurement, finance and legal teams to achieve business objectives.
- Lead and manage direct reports, setting clear objectives and driving high performance across the commercial function.
Key skills and experience required for the Senior Commercial Manager role include, but are not limited to:
- Strong commercial and contract management experience gained within the defence, aerospace or government sectors.
- Proven experience managing complex contracts and commercial negotiations throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Extensive knowledge of contract law and its practical application within a business environment.
- Experience working with UK Government departments, Civil Service organisations or the Ministry of Defence would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of UK Government Framework Agreements and public sector procurement processes is desirable.
- Demonstrable ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within challenging timescales.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels internally and externally.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Degree qualified in Law, Business or a related discipline would be highly desirable.
- Current SC Clearance, or the ability to obtain SC Clearance, is highly preferred.
- Previous leadership experience with responsibility for managing commercial professionals would be beneficial.
To apply for this Senior Contracts & Commercial Manager / Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager / Senior Commercial Manager / Commercial & Contracts Manager / Defence Commercial Manager role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and be capable of meeting security clearance requirements where applicable.
Senior Commercial Manager - Defence employer: Matchtech Careers
As a Business Reporting Analyst with our client, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. The company offers excellent employee growth opportunities through continuous training and development, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on business decisions but also provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager - Defence
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Commercial Manager - Defence at Matchtech Careers!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Matchtech Careers or be willing to refer you for that Senior Commercial Manager - Defence position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Matchtech Careers who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Commercial Manager - Defence star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Commercial Manager - Defence role at Matchtech Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Matchtech Careers. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matchtech Careers
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Matchtech Careers. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
