Senior Commercial Manager - Defence

A fantastic opportunity for a Senior Commercial Manager has arisen to join a leading UK defence & technology organisation. This is a senior commercial leadership role, embedded within a high‑performing Commercial function, supporting complex programmes across a strategically critical portfolio within the Maritime & Land domain. This role focuses on providing commercial leadership, governance and strategic oversight across multiple business areas that transcend individual business units. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders and integrated delivery teams, shaping and executing commercial strategy aligned to long‑term business objectives. Role - Senior Commercial Manager
Location - Farnborough (hybrid working - minimum 3 days onsite per week)
Type - Permanent position
Salary - £75,000-£85,000 + benefits

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

• Acts as a senior commercial leader within the wider Commercial function, providing oversight across a complex portfolio of programmes.
• Designs and implements a portfolio‑level commercial engagement strategy aligned to business and portfolio objectives over a 3-5 year horizon.
• Leads and influences key internal and external stakeholder relationships, including senior and executive‑level engagement.
• Provides commercial governance and assurance on medium to high‑complexity, non‑standard proposals and contracts.
• Oversees and supports multi‑disciplinary Integrated Delivery Teams, ensuring commercial strategy is embedded across people, processes and tools.
• Acts as a leader in negotiation strategy and planning, influencing outcomes up to Executive Committee level.
• Ensures commercial best practice, risk management and compliance are consistently applied across the portfolio.
• Contributes to the continuous development of commercial capability within the organisation.

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

• Minimum of 5 years' practical experience in a commercial management or commercial leadership role.
• Background within defence, aerospace, maritime or similarly regulated, complex engineering environments.
• Strong experience providing commercial leadership across large, multi‑stakeholder programmes or portfolios.
• Proven ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and influence senior stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of commercial governance, contracts, and non‑standard commercial arrangements.
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to operate at senior leadership level.
• A strategic mindset, combined with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

To apply for this Commercial Manager / Senior Commercial Manager / Lead Commercial Manager / Commercial Lead role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and meet the requirements for security clearance.