At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and manage key customer relationships in a dynamic defence environment.
- Company: Join a leading defence contractor with a commitment to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development in a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse teams and develop your career in a global context.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving commercial success in complex defence contracts.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing defence contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Commercial Lead – Responsibilities
- Responsible for key commercial elements of the programme, including customer relationships and contract pricing.
- Deliver business value, acting as an enabling function for programme success.
- Develop and deliver innovative commercial solutions to support proposals and customer requirements.
- Administer due-diligence activities in complex commercial contexts.
- Negotiate contractual agreements, manage non-routine issues and refer to counsel when necessary.
- Identify and manage contract changes throughout the contract life cycle to maximise opportunities and reduce risks.
- Share responsibility for programme and bid financial performance with the multi-functional leadership team.
- Produce business cases and briefing materials for senior management review.
- Support programme and bid financial performance with the multi-functional team.
- Support the business finance function in managing invoicing and cash-collection processes.
- Participate in cross-functional improvement activities.
Qualifications – Essential
- Strong experience managing complex defence contracts, ideally with the UK MoD.
- Proven ability in commercial negotiation and agreement management.
- Solid understanding of commercial principles, contracting, and governing law.
- Knowledge of import/export regulations.
- Experience in programme financial management, including risk and opportunity analysis.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and customer relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and lead performance through others.
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to lead or work independently.
- Willingness to travel within the UK as required.
Qualifications – Desirable
- Experience across international and domestic contracting environments.
- Proven capability in contract drafting, scoping, and negotiation.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels.
- Experience managing commercial risk in complex, regulated environments.
- Background working with diverse products, customers, and portfolios.
- Knowledge of Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR).
- Experience working with government customers (prime or subcontractor).
- Exposure to international suppliers and programmes, including collaborative delivery models.
- Track record in leading and developing multi-functional teams.
- Experience negotiating and implementing framework agreements.
- Relevant commercial or supply chain accreditation.
- Strong programme management capability (risk, governance, metrics).
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Commercial Manager (Advanced Products) in Harlow employer: Prattwhitney
As a leading employer in the defence sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement, particularly in our UK-based operations. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member's voice is heard, making us an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Advanced Products) in Harlow
✨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 on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience with complex contracts and negotiations can add value to their team. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Commercial Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to highlight your experience with contract management and stakeholder engagement. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Advanced Products) in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with complex defence contracts and commercial negotiation. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered business value or managed contract changes successfully. 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 convey your understanding of commercial principles and your ability to solve problems. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of complex defence contracts, especially those related to the UK MoD. Brush up on your understanding of commercial principles and governing law, as this will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed agreements or resolved non-routine issues. Be ready to discuss your approach to contract changes and how you maximised opportunities while minimising risks. This will highlight your capability in commercial negotiation.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can engage stakeholders and manage customer relationships effectively. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your points.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with programme financial management, including risk and opportunity analysis. Bring along examples of business cases or briefing materials you've produced, as this will show your ability to support financial performance and contribute to multi-functional teams.
