Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Piper Maddox

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive commercial growth through strategic partnerships and contract management in aerospace and defence.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing aerospace and defence tech company known for innovation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities and cross-functional teamwork.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value defence programmes and innovative technologies.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in Defence or Aerospace, strong contract management skills, and attention to detail.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ 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
Requirements
  • 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.

Commercial Manager employer: Piper Maddox

Join a pioneering aerospace and defence technology company in Bristol, where innovation thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment. As a Commercial Manager, you will benefit from hybrid working, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to influence high-value projects that make a real-world impact. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, this organisation is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Piper Maddox

Contact Detail:

Piper Maddox Recruiting Team

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 aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their products and how they fit into the market. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion during the interview, making you stand out as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to handle contracts and pricing discussions. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager

Contract Management
Bid Support
Negotiation Skills
Pricing Models
Cost Build-Ups
Compliance with Defence and Public Sector Regulations
Commercial Risk Management
Stakeholder Management
Attention to Detail
Change Control Processes
Understanding of Contract Structures
Procurement Experience
Strong Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Time-Management Abilities

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 frameworks you’re familiar with. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

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 sector. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth or managed complex contracts in the past. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In this role, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure their documents are polished and professional, reflecting the high standards we uphold at StudySmarter.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at Piper Maddox

✨Know Your Contracts

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract management and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Firm Price, Cost Plus, and the latest regulations like the Procurement Act 2023. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the complexities of the industry.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've managed relationships across engineering, finance, and legal departments. This is crucial in a dynamic environment where teamwork drives success.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific challenges related to commercial risks or contract disputes. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and readiness to tackle real-world issues.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Since this role requires high accuracy in contractual documentation, be prepared to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. Bring examples of past projects where your attention to detail made a significant impact. This will reassure them that you can manage the full contract lifecycle effectively.

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