At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the lifecycle of Domestic Commercial contracts from bidding to execution.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting our Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles, strong analytical skills, and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 68000 € per year.
As a Commercial Manager, you are responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of Domestic Commercial contracts, from bidding and negotiation to execution, and closure.
Salary: Circa £62,000 - £68,000 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: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- 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:
- Management: engagement at senior management levels in the business and line management responsibility for more junior members of the team. You will have the opportunity to work within various multi-functional Project teams contributing to the overall company business plan, safeguarding MBDA's business interests and knowing that you are making a real difference.
- Business Winning: Responsible for the full Route to Contract, including being the driving force during the Bidding process, taking responsibility for all the commercial aspects and ensuring cross functional working to deliver robust and timely bids. This will include the drafting and reviewing of proposals, terms and conditions and Contracts and pricing/pricing strategy.
- Contract Negotiation: Lead the negotiation of all Contracts, agreements and commercial issues ensuring alignment with company objectives and ensuring contractual compliance.
- Contract Management: Being a vital part of the delivery chain that ensures MBDA meets its promises to our customers. Oversee the commercial management of Contracts throughout their life cycle ensuring all contractual obligations are met. This will include contract amendments, reviewing contract deliverables, document marking and contract closure.
- Compliance: Ensure that all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and governance, including ITAR, EAR, and other relevant defence industry standards.
- Risk and Opportunity Management: Identify potential risks and opportunities associated with bids and contracts and work with various departments to develop mitigation strategies.
- Stakeholder Communication: Customer facing and serving as the primary point of contact for Commercial matters, providing guidance to internal stakeholders and liaising with external clients and partners to agree and resolve any Commercial issues.
- Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on bids, contract status, key risks, and any significant issues that could impact the business.
- Contract Dispute Resolution: Manage and resolve contract-related disputes in collaboration with legal and other relevant departments, ensuring swift and effective resolution.
What we're looking for from you:
- Proven experience of Commercial, within a defence environment.
- Experience of drafting, negotiating and agreeing contracts and agreements.
- Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- A Strategic thinker, supporting the overall business objectives for growth and innovation (UK and International).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- An accountable self-starter. Modelling the MBDA values and leading others to be accountable.
- Leadership and line management experience.
- Familiarity with MoD contracting structure, including DEFCONs and QDCs, would be preferred.
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 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.
Commercial Manager employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters employee growth and collaboration. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, we prioritise the well-being of our team members. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for engagement at senior management levels, makes MBDA a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the defence sector.
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 industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at MBDA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities you wouldn’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MBDA’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for the defence sector and how your experience aligns with our mission. Tailor your answers to reflect our company culture and objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to handle contracts and agreements. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach to discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the MBDA team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest openings and updates.
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 managing commercial contracts, especially in a defence environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Commercial Manager!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids or contract negotiations you've led. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, as we appreciate clarity and attention to detail.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the types of contracts you'll be managing. Understand the nuances of bidding, negotiation, and execution processes. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to think strategically. Discuss how you've identified risks and opportunities in past roles and how you developed mitigation strategies. This will show that you can align with the company's growth objectives.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves stakeholder communication, being able to convey complex information simply will be key. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership experience, especially in managing teams or projects. Share specific instances where you led a team through challenges or drove successful outcomes. This will illustrate your capability to manage junior members effectively.