Project/Commercial manager defence industry

This role is ideal for a commercially astute project professional with experience managing large-scale engineering, manufacturing, or defence projects. The successful candidate will act as the key interface between customers, suppliers, engineering teams, and executive management to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead multiple defence and engineering projects throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, resources, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance and ensure milestones are achieved.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and Logistics.
• Drive project execution to meet customer requirements and contractual commitments.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management and customers.
• Manage project scope, change control, and stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure compliance with defence industry standards, quality requirements, and governance procedures.

Commercial Management

• Manage customer contracts from tender stage through project completion.
• Review and negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements.
• Monitor project profitability, cash flow, cost performance, and revenue recognition.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Manage claims, variations, contract amendments, and dispute resolution processes.
• Support business development activities, bid preparation, and tender submissions.
• Develop pricing models and commercial strategies for new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers and strategic partners.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Coordinate interactions between internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate customer reviews, project meetings, and programme reporting.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Commerce, Project Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent Project Management certification advantageous.
• 8+ years of project management and commercial management experience.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, military, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of contract management and commercial negotiations.
• Proven track record managing large, complex technical projects.
• Sound financial and business acumen.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
• Excellent understanding of project management methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools.
• South African citizenship may be required due to security clearance requirements.