At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract lifecycle in UK Defence and Government programmes, ensuring compliance and successful delivery.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the Defence sector with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with cross-functional teams and build relationships across various business functions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence while developing your commercial skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Commercial or Procurement roles, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Commercial Officer, you will support the full contract lifecycle across UK Defence and Government programmes - from bid and proposal support through to contract management, change control, subcontract administration, and contract close-out. You will work closely with Programme Management, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure commercial compliance, protect business interests, and support successful customer delivery. The role requires strong attention to detail, commercial awareness, and confidence operating within complex contractual and regulatory frameworks.
Key responsibilities
- Contracts & Commercial Management
- Support the preparation, review, negotiation, and administration of commercial agreements, including:
- Customer contracts
- Subcontracts
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
- Teaming Agreements
- Framework agreements
- Support the management of contract amendments, variations, extensions, and change control activities.
- Review contractual terms and conditions to identify commercial risk, compliance obligations, and key deliverables.
- Assist in ensuring appropriate contractual flow-downs to suppliers and subcontractors.
- Maintain accurate commercial records and contract documentation in line with internal governance and audit requirements.
- Support contract lifecycle activities from contract award through to delivery and close-out.
- Defence & Bid Support
- Provide commercial support to Defence and Government bids and proposals.
- Assist in the review of ITTs, RFQs, and contractual documentation.
- Support the preparation of compliant commercial responses aligned to Defence procurement requirements.
- Contribute to pricing assumptions, risk identification, and commercial proposal reviews.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional bid teams to ensure timely and compliant submissions.
- Support compliance with UK Defence regulations, export controls, confidentiality requirements, and internal governance procedures.
- Identify and escalate commercial and contractual risks where appropriate.
- Ensure commercial activities are conducted in accordance with company policy and customer requirements.
- Support internal and external audit activities as required.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build effective working relationships across Programme, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and Legal functions.
- Liaise professionally with customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
- Support Programme Managers with commercial guidance relating to contract obligations and change management.
Person specification
- Experience working within a Commercial, Contracts, or Procurement role.
- Experience supporting contract management activities within Defence, Aerospace, Government, or other regulated industries.
- Understanding of contract lifecycle management and commercial governance processes.
- Experience reviewing and administering contractual documentation and amendments.
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
- Experience working with UK MOD contracts and Defence procurement frameworks.
- Familiarity with DEFCONs, flow-down clauses, or regulated contractual environments.
- Experience supporting bids and proposals within Defence or Government sectors.
- Experience using ERP or contract management systems.
- Knowledge of export control and compliance requirements.
- Professional accreditation such as CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC, or similar.
- Commercially aware with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
- Confident working within structured and compliance-driven environments.
- Professional, trustworthy, and able to handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Strong collaborator who can work effectively across multiple business functions.
- Resilient and adaptable with the ability to manage changing priorities.
Commercial Officer in Bristol employer: Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK
As a Commercial Officer at our Bristol location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to supporting UK Defence and Government programmes. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values attention to detail and commercial awareness, while offering competitive salaries and performance-based bonuses. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will be empowered to make meaningful contributions in a structured environment that prioritises compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Contact Details:
Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Recruitment Team
