Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager
Location: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week onsite near Cheltenham
Salary: £70,000–£80,000 + comprehensive benefits
Employment Type: Full Time | Permanent

A rare opportunity has opened for a strategic Commercial Manager to join a leading defence and security consultancy specialising in support engineering, cyber security, and learning & development. Operating at the heart of complex commercial environments—particularly within the MOD and wider defence ecosystem—you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and managing bids and frameworks ranging from £20k to £10 million. This hybrid role offers autonomy, leadership visibility, and future team-building potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of current and future project portfolios
• Act as the commercial point of contact for internal stakeholders and client accounts
• Provide strategic commercial guidance on high-value campaigns and complex bids
• Collaborate with sales, PMO, and leadership to shape commercially viable proposals
• Support bid/no-bid decisions by developing consistent commercial strategies
• Manage commercial risk and oversee commercial documentation approvals
• Maintain and monitor a central register of all commercial instruments
• Drive client relationship development to ensure growth and diversification

Skills

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• In-depth knowledge of UK defence frameworks and MOD procurement standards
• Advanced negotiation and strategic decision-making abilities
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Working knowledge of project and risk management principles
• Comfortable operating in high-stakes, regulated environments
• Ability to work independently and shape the role proactively

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience managing commercial operations in the defence or secure consultancy sectors
• Strong working knowledge of frameworks involving MOD or Tier 1 defence suppliers (e.g., BAE Systems, Thales)
• Active SC Clearance required; DV Clearance highly desirable
• Proven success managing bids in the £200k–£10M range
• Demonstrated experience working with leadership teams and cross-functional departments
• Professional certifications or relevant qualifications in commercial or contract management are advantageous

Benefits

• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work model
• Life assurance, Medicash healthcare plan, and pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Onsite secure parking
• Supportive leadership and a down-to-earth team culture
• Structured path for progression and potential to build your own team