Senior Commercial Manager - Defence

A fantastic opportunity for a Senior Commercial Manager has arisen to join a leading organisation operating within the defence, aerospace and government sector.

This is a high-profile position supporting a strategically important government programme, where you will take ownership of the commercial and contractual delivery of a major long-term project, leading commercial strategy, customer engagement and supplier management activities throughout the programme lifecycle.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, government customers and key suppliers, whilst influencing commercial strategy and supporting critical business objectives within a highly regulated environment.

Role - Senior Commercial Manager

Location - Buckinghamshire (hybrid working)

Type - Permanent position

Salary - £80,000-£100,000 + benefits

Key responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Lead all commercial and contractual activities across a major government programme throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Act as the primary commercial point of contact for the customer, managing contractual relationships and negotiations.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including contract amendments, framework agreements, procurement contracts, subcontracts and non-disclosure agreements.
• Provide expert commercial and contractual advice to programme teams and wider business stakeholders.
• Work closely with senior programme leadership to develop and implement commercial strategies that minimise risk and maximise commercial opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements and relevant UK and US statutory obligations.
• Manage key suppliers and subcontractors to ensure programme deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
• Support the successful delivery of long-term government framework and strategic procurement contracts.
• Collaborate with internal functions including programme management, procurement, finance and legal teams to achieve business objectives.
• Lead and manage direct reports, setting clear objectives and driving high performance across the commercial function.

Key skills and experience required for the Senior Commercial Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Strong commercial and contract management experience gained within the defence, aerospace or government sectors.
• Proven experience managing complex contracts and commercial negotiations throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Extensive knowledge of contract law and its practical application within a business environment.
• Experience working with UK Government departments, Civil Service organisations or the Ministry of Defence would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of UK Government Framework Agreements and public sector procurement processes is desirable.
• Demonstrable ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within challenging timescales.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels internally and externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Degree qualified in Law, Business or a related discipline would be highly desirable.
• Current SC Clearance, or the ability to obtain SC Clearance, is highly preferred.
• Previous leadership experience with responsibility for managing commercial professionals would be beneficial.

To apply for this Senior Contracts & Commercial Manager / Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager / Senior Commercial Manager / Commercial & Contracts Manager / Defence Commercial Manager role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and be capable of meeting security clearance requirements where applicable.