We are seeking a competent and highly motivated Commercial Manager to drive business growth and manage commercial activities, focusing primarily on the UK and international Defence and Security markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in bid writing, business development, and commercial management, with specific competence in the Defence sector.
As the Commercial Manager, you will play a critical role in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with SDE’s commercial policies. You will also provide support during periods of colleague absence and be on call for urgent commercial needs.
Key Responsibilities:
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Bid Writing & Proposal Management:
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Lead the development and submission of compelling and competitive bids and tenders for Defence and Security clients.
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Coordinate the bid process, working with internal teams to gather relevant technical, commercial, and financial information.
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Ensure compliance with tender requirements, meeting all deadlines and maintaining high-quality submissions.
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Business Development:
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Working with the CEO, identify and pursue new business opportunities within the UK and international Defence and Security markets.
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Establish and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and partners.
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Develop and execute agreed strategies to penetrate new markets and enhance SDE's business portfolio.
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Commercial Management:
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Manage commercial contracts, negotiations, and agreements with clients and suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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Work closely with technical and financial teams to ensure accurate costing and contract management.
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Monitor and mitigate commercial risks, ensuring compliance with SDE’s commercial processes and policies.
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Client & Market Engagement:
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Engage with UK and international Defence and Security clients, understanding their needs and ensuring SDE’s service offerings align with market demands.
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Attend industry events, exhibitions, and meetings to promote SDE’s capabilities and services.
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Support & Flexibility:
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Provide occasional cover for absent colleagues as required, ensuring continuity of commercial operations.
Key Requirements:
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Competence & Skills:
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Proven competence as a Bid Writer, with a strong track record of successful bids within the Defence and Security sectors.
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Competence working with UK and international Defence and Security clients is essential.
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Demonstrated success in Business Development and Commercial Management, ideally within the Defence community.
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Knowledge of UK MoD and international procurement frameworks is highly desirable.
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Competence working with commercial businesses and identifying new business opportunities is advantageous.
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Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
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Competent with the use of MS Office packages and with good general IT literacy to be able to learn and use bespoke IT business management systems, after instruction
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Qualifications:
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Minimum Security Clearance (SC) required, or the ability to obtain SC clearance.
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Work Requirements:
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Must be able to work from the SDE office in Ware, Hertfordshire, at least 2 days per week.
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Flexible; with occasional on-call work and able to provide support during periods of colleague absence.
Personal Attributes:
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to build relationships with clients and stakeholders at all levels.
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Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
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Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
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A strategic thinker with a focus on delivering business growth and exceeding commercial targets.
What We Offer:
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Flexible working arrangements, with the option for part-time or full-time employment.
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Opportunity to work with a dynamic and growing company in the Defence and Security sector.
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Career development and growth opportunities within a specialised industry.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your competence and how you meet the key requirements of the role.
SDE is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, or age.