Head of Commercial
Location: Bristol or Portsmouth (hybrid working, with flexibility for commuting)
Salary: £90,000-£100,000 + bonus + benefits
Overview
We are partnering with a global organisation operating at the forefront of the defence and aerospace sector to appoint a Head of Commercial. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering commercial strategy across a key business area reporting into the Group Commercial Director.
This position offers the opportunity to lead an established commercial team while working on complex, high-value programmes in a dynamic, international environment.
The Role
As Head of Commercial, you will take ownership of all commercial activities across your portfolio, balancing both pre- and post-contract responsibilities. While the role spans the full commercial lifecycle, there is a strong emphasis on post-signature delivery, stakeholder engagement, and governance.
A significant aspect of the role involves managing senior internal stakeholders, particularly across US-based teams, requiring strong influencing skills and the ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing commercial team
- Drive commercial strategy and governance across a defined business area
- Oversee contract negotiation, execution, and ongoing performance
- Ensure effective risk management and compliance with regulatory frameworks
- Act as a key interface with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership in the US
- Support business growth through input into bids, proposals, and customer engagements
- Provide commercial insight to support operational and strategic decision-making
About You
- Proven experience in a senior commercial leadership role within a complex environment (defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries preferred)
- Strong background across both pre- and post-contract commercial activities
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional and international teams
- Experience managing senior stakeholders, ideally within a global or US-facing structure
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance risk, opportunity, and delivery
- Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
What’s On Offer
- Senior leadership role with real strategic influence
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, mission-critical programmes
- Hybrid working model with flexibility across Bristol and Portsmouth
- Competitive salary package including bonus and benefits
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine leadership, strategy, and international stakeholder engagement within a highly respected organisation, we’d be keen to hear from you.
Reach out to Jake Currie at jake.currie@arguilesearch.com.