At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and maximise profitability in the defence sector.
- Company: Leading organisation in the defence industry with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible onsite work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth and collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital sector while developing your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity for a Commercial Manager has arisen to join a leading organisation operating within the defence sector on an initial 6-month contract.
You'll take responsibility for commercial management activities across a key business area, protecting commercial interests, maximising profitability and minimising contractual risk while developing strong and collaborative customer relationships.
This is a varied commercial role covering complex contract management, contract changes, negotiations, dispute resolution and commercial governance.
You'll work closely with customers, major subcontractors, supply chain and internal stakeholders, providing commercial expertise across the business.
- Role - Commercial Manager - DEFENCE
- Location - Oxfordshire (1-2 days onsite per week)
- Type - 6 Month contract, inside IR35
Key responsibilities of the Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager role and not limited to:
- Implement commercial strategy and provide commercial support across an assigned business area.
- Provide contractual interpretation and guidance for complex customer and supplier contracts.
- Manage customer and major subcontractor contracts robustly, focusing on maximising value and minimising commercial risk.
- Deliver a portfolio of contract changes in accordance with established change management and commercial governance processes.
- Lead contract negotiations and support the management and resolution of commercial disputes.
- Engage with external legal advisers and other specialists where required.
- Support Supply Chain colleagues on contractual and commercial matters.
- Build strong working relationships with customers, key subcontractors, internal teams and wider stakeholders.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of commercial policies, processes and procedures.
- Potentially manage and develop Commercial Officers, including providing support and escalation during negotiations and disputes.
Key skills and experience required for Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager and not limited to:
- Significant commercial and contracts experience, including drafting and interpreting contracts, pricing proposals and contract management.
- Proven experience negotiating complex, high-value contracts and maximising value through robust commercial management.
- Experience supporting or leading commercial dispute resolution.
- Experience working within collaborative programmes or long-term partnering arrangements.
- Understanding of commercial governance with experience developing or improving commercial processes, procedures and systems.
- Ability to lead cross-functional commercial activities and deliver successful outcomes.
- Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working with complex contractual issues and ambiguity while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to understand wider business drivers and balance commercial opportunity against contractual risk.
- Experience working with and interpreting advice from external legal advisers.
To apply for this Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager / Senior Commercial Officer / Commercial Contracts Manager / Contract Manager / Defence Commercial Manager role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Commercial Manager - Defence, 6 month-contract in England employer: Matchtech Group
Matchtech is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong focus on the rail sector in Winnersh, employees benefit from comprehensive support, flexible working options, and exciting team incentives, all while contributing to significant infrastructure developments in Ireland. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a dynamic environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Defence, 6 month-contract in England
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Matchtech Group. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Matchtech Group.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Matchtech Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Defence, 6 month-contract in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Matchtech Group and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matchtech Group
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Matchtech Group will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Matchtech Group.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Matchtech Group.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Matchtech Group. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
