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- Tasks: Drive commercial growth through strategic partnerships and manage the full contract lifecycle.
- Company: Join a fast-growing aerospace and defence tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to cutting-edge projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team at a pivotal stage of growth in unmanned technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value defence programmes and innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Defence or Aerospace, strong contract management skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An opportunity to join one of Europe’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence technology businesses, developing advanced unmanned and autonomous systems used across some of the world’s most demanding operational environments.
The organisation is recognised for combining proprietary hardware, software, and AI-driven intelligence solutions to support critical missions across defence, maritime surveillance, security, and space operations. With significant growth across international markets, they are continuing to scale their commercial function to support increasingly complex programmes and strategic partnerships.
You would be joining a dynamic, highly collaborative environment where innovation moves quickly, decisions are impactful, and teams work closely together to deliver cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.
This role is centred around driving commercial growth through strategic partnerships, contract management, and market expansion across complex defence and aerospace programmes. You will be responsible for managing the full contract lifecycle, supporting commercial activities across bids, pricing, negotiations, execution, and close-out. Working closely with engineering, operations, finance, legal, and production teams, you will help transform innovative technologies into scalable commercial success.
Key Responsibilities- Manage the full contract lifecycle including bid support, contract negotiation, award, execution, variation, and close-out
- Support pricing activities including pricing models and cost build-ups
- Work across sourcing, procurement, and contract management activities
- Ensure compliance with Defence and Public Sector commercial frameworks and regulations
- Support the management of commercial risks, claims, disputes, and change control processes
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, production, operations, finance, legal, and commercial teams
- Assist in the development of strategic partnerships and commercial growth opportunities
- Maintain strong attention to detail across contractual documentation and reporting
- Support export control awareness activities including ITAR and EAR considerations where applicable
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within Defence, Aerospace, or the Public Sector
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement and contract management activities
- Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023, Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR), DEFCONs, and DEFSTANs
- Good understanding of contract structures including Firm Price, Cost Plus/Cost Reimbursable, and Framework Agreements
- Experience handling change control, claims, disputes, and commercial risk management
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Advanced English proficiency at C2 level
- Ideally holds SC Clearance or is willing to obtain it
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent is advantageous but not essential
This is an opportunity to join one of Europe’s most exciting unmanned technology businesses at a pivotal stage of growth. You will work on complex, high-value defence programmes with genuine influence across commercial strategy and contract delivery. The role offers strong exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to play a key part in scaling innovative technology within highly regulated global markets.
MANAGER, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER in Bristol employer: Piper Maddox
Contact Detail:
Piper Maddox Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MANAGER, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with contract management and procurement. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth or managed complex projects. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around strategic partnerships and compliance. We’re all about innovation, so think of ways you can contribute to their cutting-edge technology!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace MANAGER, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in contract management and procurement, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in the defence or aerospace sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the aerospace and defence industry. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth or managed complex contracts in the past.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Given the nature of the role, we value precision. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A well-structured application reflects your organisational skills and attention to detail, which are crucial for this position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Piper Maddox
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the full contract lifecycle, especially around bid support and negotiations. Brush up on your knowledge of contract structures like Firm Price and Cost Plus, as these will likely come up during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience working with various teams such as engineering, finance, and legal. Demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and other relevant regulations like DEFCONs and DEFSTANs. Being able to discuss compliance confidently will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Bring along examples of how your meticulous nature has positively impacted previous projects. Whether it’s through accurate reporting or managing commercial risks, showing that you can maintain high standards will resonate well with interviewers.