Principal Commercial Officer

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Principal Commercial Officer to join a leading engineering and defence organisation, supporting the successful delivery of complex commercial contracts throughout their full lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in protecting business interests while working closely with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders on strategically important programmes.
This role is responsible for managing Domestic Commercial contracts from bidding and negotiation through to execution and contract closure. Working within a collaborative commercial team, you will provide commercial guidance to project teams, support business-winning activities and ensure contractual compliance while helping deliver critical capability to customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the preparation, review and negotiation of bids and proposals for medium to high complexity contracts.
* Review, draft and amend contract terms and conditions while protecting the organisation's commercial interests.
* Manage contracts throughout the full lifecycle, including change management, contract administration and issue resolution.
* Identify commercial risks and opportunities, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
* Provide commercial advice and guidance to internal project teams and stakeholders.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and industry partners.
* Represent the commercial function at customer meetings, programme reviews and internal governance meetings.
* Report contract progress and commercial matters to senior management.
* Maintain commercial information systems and ensure accurate contract records.
* Promote commercial best practice across the wider business.
* Support and mentor junior commercial professionals, graduates and apprentices where required.
The ideal candidate would have
* Experience managing complex, high-value commercial contracts.
* Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
* Experience supporting bids and managing contracts through the full contract lifecycle.
* A solid understanding of commercial risk management and change control.
* Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
* Experience working collaboratively within cross-functional project teams.
* Knowledge of pricing and costing models.
* Experience using SAP and other business systems.
* The ability to prioritise workload and deliver to challenging deadlines.
The ideal candidate must have
* Good understanding of contract law and its practical application.
* Experience drafting and negotiating commercial terms and conditions.
* Knowledge of intellectual property protection.
* Understanding of liabilities and commercial risk mitigation.
* Awareness of import/export regulations and licensing requirements.
* Excellent influencing, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
* Strong organisational skills with a proactive approach to problem solving.
This position offers a lucrative benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:
* Annual company performance bonus.
* Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
* Enhanced family leave policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
If this role looks like your next challenge, please contact Keelan ASAP or apply via this advert!
Please note that due to the nature of the client's business, only candidates who currently hold full British Citizenship (without limitations) / Dual Nationality (inclusive of British Citizenship) will be considered.
We endeavour to reply to every candidate, every time but if you haven't heard back within 10 days, please understand that you have unfortunately been unsuccessful for this position, or the position has been filled. Please call the office or send an email to discuss other potential positions