Commercial Operations Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 5, 2026.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16th October 2026
Please note: This role is hybrid, there is a requirements for the successful applicant to attend Head Office (Chippenham) one day per week with additional requirement to travel to client sites based across the South West of England on a regular basis.
Commercial Operations Manager
Job Description
The Commercial Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the business operates efficiently, profitably and in line with commercial objectives. The role acts as the bridge between the business winning team, project delivery, finance and senior leadership, providing the controls, reporting and insight needed to support sustainable growth.
The postholder will oversee commercial performance, resource planning, project profitability, operational governance and management information, ensuring that opportunities are converted into successful and profitable delivery.
Primary Responsibilities
1) Commercial Performance Management:
a. Monitor and report on sales pipeline performance, revenue forecasts and conversion rates.
b. Support bid, proposal and pricing activities.
c. Track contract value, revenue performance and commercial metrics.
d. Identify commercial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions.
e. Support leadership in achieving business growth objectives.
2) Project Governance & Resource & Capacity Management:
a. Ensure robust commercial controls are maintained throughout project lifecycles.
b. Monitor project budgets, margins and profitability.
c. Track Statements of Work (SOWs), change requests and contract variations.
d. Ensure projects comply with contractual and governance requirements.
e. Escalate commercial risks where necessary.
3) Financial & Operational Reporting:
a. Produce monthly performance reports.
b. Maintain operational dashboards covering: Revenue, Margin, Utilisation, Pipeline, Forecasting, Project health, Analyse trends and provide recommendations to improve business performance, Support budgeting and annual planning activities.
4) Contract & Commercial Administration:
a. Maintain contract and SOW registers.
b. Track contract renewals and key obligations.
c. Support commercial negotiations and contract preparation (including T&C’s and NDA’s).
d. Ensure commercial records remain accurate and up to date.
Work alongside legal, finance and delivery teams to manage contractual commitments.
Process Improvement:
a. Develop and improve commercial and operational processes.
b. Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
c. Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
d. Enhance reporting accuracy and business intelligence capabilities.
Ensure systems and processes remain scalable as the business grows.
Stakeholder Management:
a. Build strong relationships with the business winning, delivery, finance and leadership teams.
b. Act as a trusted advisor on commercial and operational matters.
c. Support decision making through accurate and timely management information.
Facilitate effective communication between operational and commercial functions.
Qualifications & Training:
Essential: Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
Desirable: Prince2, MSP, APM or similar qualification.
Essential Experience:
- Experience in a Commercial Operations, Business Operations, PMO or Programme Support role.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.
- Knowledge of contract management and commercial governance.
- Experience managing reporting, forecasting and performance metrics.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience with CRM, project management and reporting systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable:
· Consultancy or professional services experience.
· Defence experience.
· PMO or project management experience.
· Experience with Power BI.
Experience with resource management tools.
Qualities and Attitude:
· Highly organised and detail-oriented.
· Commercially minded with strong business acumen.
· Proactive and solution-focused.
· Able to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders.
· Strong attention to accuracy and quality.
· Comfortable working with senior leaders and clients.
· Continuous improvement mindset.