At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities for high-value defence programmes and ensure contract profitability.
- Company: Join RBSL, a leading defence engineering company shaping military vehicle innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in business or related field; experience with defence customers preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Commercial to join our team. As part of RBSL working for RBSL Commercial Director, having commercial responsibility for high value and strategically important Programme/s.
About RBSL
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is a defence engineering company based in the UK. We design, manufacture and support military vehicles used by the British Army and international customers.
What You Will Be Doing
- The Head of Commercial shall lead all commercial activities across the programmes of which they are assigned, ensuring contracts are profitable, compliant, and aligned with strategic objectives of the company.
- Develop and implement the company’s commercial strategy in line with business goals.
- Lead, mentor, and manage the commercial team.
- Support business development and bid activities.
- Lead negotiations for complex, high-value defence contracts.
- Ensure contracts reflect appropriate risk allocation and profitability.
- Oversee contract lifecycle management (bids → execution → closure).
- Own commercial inputs into pricing, cost models, and margin control.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks across programmes.
- Ensure compliance with government regulations, export controls and company internal policies.
- Act as the primary commercial interface at the programme/project level with customers and partners.
- Build relationships with government clients and key suppliers.
- Support dispute resolution and claims management.
- Ensure adherence to defence procurement rules and internal governance.
- Maintain audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
- Implement best practices in commercial processes.
What Qualifications You Should Have
Essential- Degree in business, law, finance, engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience working with defence customers or large prime contractors.
- Experience of working in a multi-national, multi-organisational and corporate environment.
- Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently.
- SSRO experience desirable.
- Export market experience.
- Knowledge of the UK MoD process and procedures.
What We Offer You
- Competitive salaries reviewed each year against market rates.
- Annual bonus incentive scheme for all employees.
- 37 hours over 4.5 days working week.
- Employer pension contributions up to 10%.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Life assurance cover.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays.
- Holiday purchase scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Salary sacrifice benefits including cycle to work and electric vehicles schemes.
- Access to high street and gym discounts and cashback.
- Long Service rewards with additional holiday.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits.
- Free access to onsite gym.
Head of Commercial in Telford employer: Ultimate.ai
RBSL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford where innovation meets dedication in the defence sector. With competitive salaries, a generous benefits package including hybrid working options, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship and training, RBSL fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Join us to lead impactful commercial strategies while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Telford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence sector, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching RBSL and understanding their projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience with high-value contracts and commercial strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past roles, focus on how you’ve led teams and managed complex negotiations. We want to see how you can bring that hands-on attitude to the Head of Commercial position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your experience with defence customers and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at RBSL. Share specific examples of your past achievements that relate to commercial strategy and contract management.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Commercial, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We love to see how you've mentored others and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultimate.ai
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the defence industry and RBSL's role in it. Brush up on your knowledge of military vehicles, government regulations, and the specific programmes you'll be working on. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Commercial, you'll need to lead and mentor a team. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and driving commercial success. Use specific examples to illustrate your leadership style and achievements.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Expect questions about your negotiation strategies for high-value contracts. Think of past negotiations you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to balance risk and profitability while maintaining strong relationships with clients.
✨Understand Compliance and Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with compliance issues and risk management in the defence sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured adherence to regulations and mitigated risks in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the complexities of the position.
