At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse costs and support pricing models for secure ICT services in Defence and Security sectors.
- Company: Join SecureCloud+, a leader in managed secure ICT services with a focus on employee growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced, innovative company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that bridges finance and commercial services.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills and a passion for finance or commercial analysis.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Company SecureCloud+ specialises in providing fully managed secure ICT services to the UK's Defence and Security sectors, as well as other government departments with complex and demanding security requirements. SecureCloud+ prides itself on its successful track-record of delivering real benefits to its customers, but also on its ethos of investing in its employees’ personal and professional growth.
The Commercial Analyst sits within the Commercial Services function and supports the link between Commercial Services and Finance. The role provides structured analysis, reporting support, and coordination across both the pre-contract and in-delivery phases of the contract lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Modelling from BoM and Forecast Data: Receive and review BoM data provided by Supply Chain and Procurement, helping to translate component-level cost detail into structured commercial cost models for review by Commercial Services and Finance. Support the integration of resource forecasts, third-party costs, and other commercial inputs into a single model, ensuring assumptions are documented and source data is clearly referenced. Apply Finance-defined rates, overhead assumptions, margin guidance, and standard cost structures under guidance from Commercial Services and Finance. Help identify key cost drivers, movements, and variances within the model, escalating areas that require review or clarification. Maintain version control across cost model updates, ensuring changes are recorded clearly and previous versions can be traced when required. Where BoM inputs appear incomplete, inconsistent, or unclear, raise structured queries with Supply Chain, Procurement, Commercial Services leads, or relevant stakeholders to support timely resolution.
- Pricing Analysis and Commercial Model Support: Support the translation of approved cost models into pricing structures using Finance-set criteria, margin guidance, and agreed commercial templates. Assist with basic scenario and sensitivity analysis, such as modelling the impact of changes in volume, scope, resource mix, or supplier cost. Highlight where changes to assumptions may affect the commercial position, escalating potential risks or sensitivities for review by more senior stakeholders. Help identify and document any deviations from standard pricing structures, including the reason for the deviation and the potential commercial impact where this can be quantified. Support the preparation of pricing schedules, cost breakdowns, and supporting commercial narratives required for internal review and contract award activity. Act as a coordination point for model updates and Finance queries during the pre-contract phase, ensuring responses are tracked, evidence is gathered, and updates are reflected accurately in the model.
- Commercial Model Support at Contract Award: Support the finalisation of the commercial model at contract award by helping reconcile the model against agreed scope, pricing, and contractual assumptions. Help prepare a clean baseline version of the commercial model for use as the reference point during delivery reporting and future variance analysis. Document key assumptions, cost inputs, pricing decisions, and supporting information in a clear and accessible format. Track changes made to the commercial model between initial submission and final contract award, ensuring these are visible to Commercial Services and Finance for review. Support the completion of financial and commercial handover documentation, helping ensure that the delivery reporting cycle begins with a clear and agreed baseline.
- Day-to-Day BoM Administration: Maintain the Bill of Materials as the core source of component-level commercial information, ensuring entries are current, accurately categorised, and consistent with the latest agreed position. Collate BoM updates from budget owners, delivery teams, Supply Chain, Procurement, and other internal stakeholders on a regular reporting cycle. Check and reconcile BoM submissions to ensure components are accounted for, recorded consistently, and ready to support commercial and Finance reporting. Act as a central coordination point for BoM data within Commercial Services, identifying incomplete, inconsistent, or conflicting inputs and escalating these for resolution. Track changes to the BoM at component level throughout delivery, maintaining a clear audit trail between the original contract baseline and the current commercial position. Support stakeholders by providing templates, timelines, and guidance on the BoM information required for each reporting cycle. Ensure the component-level BoM detail held by Commercial Services can be reconciled to the summary position provided to Finance, supporting clear responses to questions or challenges.
- Finance Reporting and Query Support: Prepare structured commercial reporting inputs for Finance using agreed templates and reporting formats. Support the alignment between BoM data, commercial assumptions, and the budget position owned and managed by Finance. Log Finance queries or information requests relating to commercial data, BoM movements, cost assumptions, or reporting submissions. Categorise and route queries to the appropriate Commercial Services lead, budget owner, or stakeholder with the relevant background information. Track open queries through to resolution, helping ensure responses are provided within agreed timeframes. Consolidate responses and supporting evidence for review before submission back to Finance. Maintain clear records of queries, responses, actions, and decisions to support auditability and future reporting cycles.
Security Clearance & Right to Work
To be considered for shortlisting, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for Security Clearance. This typically requires applicants to be British Citizens or to have lived and worked continuously in the UK for the past five years. This requirement is due to the nature of the role and the need to access sensitive information or secure sites. Security Clearance checks will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process for successful candidates. Additionally, please note that we are not a licensed sponsor under the UK Government’s visa scheme. Therefore, we are unable to accept applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for Security Clearance, we encourage you to review the UK Government guidance before applying.
Commercial Analyst in Reading employer: Securecloudplus
SecureCloud+ is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, employees benefit from structured training opportunities and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and teamwork. Located in the heart of the UK's Defence and Security sectors, SecureCloud+ offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a dynamic workplace that values its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Analyst in Reading
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Securecloudplus. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Securecloudplus.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Securecloudplus's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Securecloudplus
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Securecloudplus.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Securecloudplus will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Securecloudplus employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
