Senior Commercial Manager

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to join a leading Defence organisation supporting the UK Ministry of Defence. This is a senior commercial position within the Digital business, focused on leading commercial activity across competitive bids, proposals and growth opportunities, while also providing strategic commercial support across a portfolio of complex defence programmes.

This role would suit someone with a strong background in Bids & Proposals within the UK Defence sector, ideally supporting Digital, IT, Software, Communications, Cyber or Information Systems programmes.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will play a key role in securing new business by leading the commercial aspects of major competitive bids, framework opportunities and contract negotiations.
You'll work closely with Bid Managers, Programme Managers and senior stakeholders to develop winning commercial strategies, manage contractual risk and ensure compliance with UK defence regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial delivery of competitive bids, proposals and framework submissions.
• Develop commercial strategies that maximise the probability of winning while protecting business interests.
• Review, draft and negotiate complex contract terms and conditions.
• Provide commercial leadership throughout the full bid lifecycle, including governance reviews and approvals.
• Support pricing strategies, cost estimates and commercial business cases.
• Lead contract change proposals and negotiations where required.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and review Statements of Work (SoW).
• Ensure compliance with UK procurement regulations, SSCR and internal governance processes.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and UK MOD customers.
• Support contract management activities across existing defence programmes when required.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced commercial professional who has operated within complex UK defence environments and has a proven track record of delivering successful bids and proposals.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in Commercial or Contract Management within the UK Defence sector.
• Strong experience leading Bids & Proposals for complex defence programmes.
• Demonstrable experience negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Excellent understanding of UK MOD contracting, procurement regulations and commercial governance.
• Experience developing commercial strategies for competitive tenders.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify and manage commercial risk throughout the bid lifecycle.

Highly Desirable

• Experience supporting Digital, IT, Software, Communications, Cyber or Information Systems programmes.
• Knowledge of Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).
• Experience working on UK Government Frameworks.
• World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC/IACCM) qualification.
• Degree in Business, Law or a related discipline.

Key Skills

• Bids & Proposals
• Commercial Strategy
• Contract Negotiation
• Contract Management
• UK MOD Contracts
• SSCR
• Procurement Regulations
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Commercial Governance
• Pricing & Cost Proposals
• Defence Digital Programmes