Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager

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As a Commercial Manager in Ascent, working primarily in the Capability Delivery Team, you will be part of a dedicated and diverse team developing solutions across a range of current operations and new projects.

You will build relationships internally across all areas of the business and with external customer and supplier organisations to understand customers’ needs and how we can offer optimum solutions. You’ll provide professional guidance to influence and negotiate multiple deals, working on projects including modifications to a range of aircraft, the latest advances in flying simulation and improvements to infrastructure.

• Deliver Commercial services within agreed time, quality and cost parameters
• Own positive stakeholder relationships, supported by ongoing feedback
• Negotiate on multiple deals, both customer and supply chain facing
• Formalise tender competition documentation with suppliers and bid material with customers, as well as clear, concise contractual arrangements with both.
• Act as a trusted advisor within the business for commercial matters and solve complex problems positively.

You will already have a solid foundation in Commercial and Contract Management, having responsibility for key contractual deliverables. You will thrive when working with stakeholders across all levels and possess strong communication skills, a proven track record of building and maintaining positive relationships, and ensuring a strong customer focus.

You will love working in an environment where alternative tailored solutions are the answer, navigating both yourself and stakeholders to a positive solution. You will understand the importance of working successfully in pressured situations.

• Experience of working in collaboration with cross‑functional teams
• Courage and the ability to solve problems and make decisions
• Strong presentation skills, positively influencing a wide audience from customers and suppliers to internal stakeholders
• Contract Law – knowledge and understanding of UK procurement legislation and regulation

• Knowledge and practical experience of pre‑procurement phases including market engagement, sourcing strategies, contracting models, government contracting, negotiation planning and RFP/contract drafting
• Experience of procurement phases including soliciting, evaluating bids, negotiation and awarding contracts
• Experience in contract management phases including contract administration, performance monitoring, supplier relationship management, change management and contract expiry/termination management. Valuable experience in contract delivery and management in a commercial or public sector organisation.

• Ideally hold or be working towards WCC (or similar Commercial professional body) accreditation
• If you do not meet all criteria but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you

This is a full‑time role (37.5 hours per week), typically worked on a 9 in 10‑day fortnight pattern. Alternative hybrid working arrangements may be considered, with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office or onsite, and up to three days working from home.

For this role, the successful candidate must be able to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. All applicants must, at a minimum, meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Many positions require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically demand more thorough background checks. For further details, please refer to the official guidance on United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – .

• Accountability & Empowerment – We take ownership of our actions and empower others to succeed.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism in everything we do.
• Courage – We face challenges head‑on, speak up for what’s right, and embrace change with confidence.
• Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and celebrate shared success.

We champion diversity and inclusion and are a Disability Confident Employer that provides reasonable adjustments to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.