Role: Commercial Manager - Complex Engineering / Regulated Industry

Location: Kent (Hybrid - 4 days onsite, flexible hours)

Salary: £65-80k + Car Allowance & Bonus

We are seeking a Commercial Manager to join a dynamic and highly capable commercial team within a leading global engineering organisation who's renowned for delivering complex, long-term programmes in regulated sectors.

This role involves managing and delivering a portfolio of contracts and bids to domestic and international customers in a fast-paced commercial environment. The business is undergoing significant transformation, expanding its customer base through a range of innovative products and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a wide range of contracts, projects, and commercial campaigns
• Lead bid teams to prepare bid and contract materials, including presenting commercial bid reviews and securing necessary governance approvals
• Oversee the commercial aspects of a portfolio of project teams, engaging closely with business development and customer stakeholders
• Develop and implement commercial strategies covering contract development, pricing, governance compliance, customer negotiation, risk management, and margin optimisation
• Review and approve contract terms and conditions in collaboration with central functions (Legal, IP, Tax, etc.) to address compliance requirements
• Lead customer negotiations on proposals of varying complexity, securing agreements that meet business objectives
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure contractual obligations are appropriately flowed down
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven commercial experience, ideally including UK and international highly regulated industries
• Strong experience working collaboratively within commercial teams
• Customer-focused with a strong commitment to meeting deadlines and targets
• Broad professional knowledge of commercial principles, techniques, and best practices
• Sound understanding of contract terms, legal frameworks, and risk management
• Good awareness of cross-functional roles within integrated project/bid teams

Desirable:

• Experience in a senior commercial function
• People management experience
• In-depth professional knowledge of commercial roles within complex organisations
• Understanding of the defence sector, including global competitors and partners
• Awareness of the operational frameworks of large engineering or defence businesses

If you are an experienced Commercial Manager seeking a high-impact role with long-term prospects, please apply ASAP or email geoff.hunt@1st-executive.com to arrange a confidential conversation.