Senior Commercial Manager (Defence Training & Subcontracts)

This is a high-impact commercial leadership role supporting a major transformation programme within a UK defence training environment. The role sits within a global prime defence contractor, delivering critical services to the UK Ministry of Defence and driving fundamental change in how military training systems are designed, delivered and supported.

You will be responsible for managing high-value subcontracts and supplier relationships, ensuring that external partners deliver to exacting performance, quality and contractual standards. This role requires deep expertise in subcontract management, commercial negotiation and stakeholder engagement, alongside the leadership capability to drive change across complex, multi-supplier environments.

Working Patterns: This is a hybrid role with 2-3 days per week on site and a half day every Friday.

• Manage £50m–£100m supplier contracts with minimal supervision, ensuring delivery aligns with programme and business objectives.
• Act as the commercial subject-matter expert for assigned subcontracts, supporting planning, budgeting and informed decision-making.
• Investigate, analyse and resolve supply chain and delivery issues, applying sound commercial judgement and experience.
• Lead the negotiation and management of contracts, including NDAs, terms and conditions, and contractual amendments.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes, systems and supplier performance.
• Provide guidance, oversight and development support to junior commercial team members, reviewing work and building capability.

• A degree in STEM, business or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Extensive experience in subcontract and supplier management, ideally within defence or regulated environments.
• Strong capability in contract negotiation and commercial delivery.
• Ability to operate autonomously, solve complex problems and influence across matrixed teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience working across military, industry and stakeholder groups.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and strongly delivery-focused.

• 25 days holiday (increasing to 27 days) + statutory public holidays.
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution).
• 6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’.
• Flexible Benefits scheme.
• Discretionary Bonus scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Car allowance

Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

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You will be required to hold a minimum of SC Clearance. If you do not hold an active SC clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.

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