At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a motivated team delivering Defence Capability to the UK Armed Forces and manage contracts.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while developing your commercial skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Advanced negotiation skills and experience managing complex contracts required.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace with employee-led networks and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40800 - 67200 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to join an active, involved and motivated team, in a sector committed to delivering Defence Capability to the UK Armed Forces and other customers, covering aspects of the early product lifecycle and research and technology.
Salary: Circa £48,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
The opportunity:
Business Winning - Being a key player in the winning of new contracts, agreements and opportunities. Responsible for supporting the full Route to achieving a Contract, including the Bidding process, cross functional working to deliver inputs and generation of proposals, maximising MBDA's interest.
Contract Delivery - Being a vital part of the delivery chain that ensures MBDA meets its promises to our customer including contract management tasks, change management, problem solving and administration.
Negotiations - With support gaining acceptance and agreement on issues and amendments to ensure contractual compliance within agreed boundaries. Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers & industry partners, focusing on collaboration. Being the interface with internal and external stakeholders. Communicating with stakeholders at all levels, including reporting to senior management on the progress of your portfolio of work. Representing the commercial team in progress/reviews and/or customer meetings. Working under pressure to achieve deadlines. Day-to-day administration and maintenance of the Commercial Information Systems. Promotes best practice and functional excellence.
What we're looking for from you:
- Advanced negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.
- Good process and change management.
- Experience of managing more complex, high value contracts.
- Effective team behaviours, influencing and team working skills.
- Experienced in a broad range of commercial issues and skills including contract management skills throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Commercial understanding from customer through to supplier.
- Awareness and practical applicability of Intellectual Property and its protection.
- Good understanding of contract law and its applicability.
- Ability to draft or modify terms and conditions.
- Understanding Liabilities and mitigating Risk.
- Awareness of Import and Export restrictions and licensing requirements.
- Ability to understand and use pricing and costing models.
- Good Knowledge of IT and Business Tools including SAP.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Principal Commercial Officer in Bristol employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at MBDA through LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand MBDA's role in delivering Defence Capability and think about how your skills can contribute. Practice common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your negotiation and contract management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills! During interviews, focus on how you build relationships and collaborate with others. Highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully navigated complex negotiations or managed high-value contracts. This will demonstrate you’re the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining MBDA and being part of our mission to support the Armed Forces.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Officer in Bristol
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 skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Principal Commercial Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since we value effective team behaviours, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. Whether it’s working under pressure or influencing stakeholders, let us know how you’ve made a difference in a team setting.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract management and negotiation skills. Understand the specifics of the role, especially around the bidding process and contract delivery. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re genuinely prepared to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences with high-value contracts and how you've navigated complex negotiations. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and how you've built relationships with stakeholders. This will help demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to contract management and their expectations for the Principal Commercial Officer. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The team is looking for someone who can collaborate effectively, so showing your interpersonal skills and how you work within a team can set you apart from other candidates.