Commercial Manager
- Location: Dorchester, Dorset, England
- Salary: Market related
- Category
- Sector: Aerospace and Defence
- Contract type Permanent
- Employer: Atlas Elektronik UK
- Consultant: Ian Childs
Commercial Manager
Do you have the commercial expertise to shape complex defence contracts and drive strategic growth in a global market?
We’re looking for a Commercial Manager to join our dynamic Commercial team at Atlas Elektronik UK. This opportunity has arisen due to continued business growth and the increasing demand for commercially driven support across bids and projects.
Our Commercial team provides strategic oversight and hands-on support across all phases of the contract lifecycle, working with customers in the UK and export markets.
This role is key to ensuring successful contract negotiation, risk management, and commercial leadership aligned to AEUK’s growth strategy.
This is a key role that will see you at the centre of complex and high-value defence contracts, where your expertise will directly influence project success and customer satisfaction. You’ll be working closely with internal stakeholders and external customers, reporting to the Head of Commercial.
In this role you will:
- Lead all commercial aspects of bidding and contract management within defined project areas.
- Shape and influence proposals and negotiate with UK MoD, UK primes, and overseas clients.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements including NDAs, MoUs, teaming and licensing agreements.
- Provide expert advice on contract obligations, liabilities, pricing models and regulatory compliance.
- Manage contract changes and ensure delivery aligns with both AEUK policies and customer expectations.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Support junior commercial staff and act as a point of escalation for complex issues.
- Promote best commercial practice across the organisation.
- Build strong relationships with multifunctional teams and external stakeholders.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage complex negotiations and is proactive in identifying commercial risks and solutions.
You’ll ideally bring:
- A strong record in commercial management within defence or similarly regulated sectors.
- Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills across a broad range of agreement types.
- A practical understanding of contract law and compliance frameworks.
- A structured approach to problem solving and risk mitigation.
- The ability to communicate clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to work independently when needed.
- A degree in a relevant subject and/or membership of IACCM or WC&C (desirable but not essential).
With a reputation for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy (RN) and export customers, AEUK operates from our Headquarters on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Through science, engineering and R&D we convert data into information, knowledge and capabilities that challenge the status quo, and offer winning advantage at the frontline.
Our people are at the heart of our success, an open and stimulating workspace empowers and encourages our people to be creative and act with integrity. Despite our continued growth, AEUK pride ourselves on retaining a friendly and welcoming culture.
As well as boasting a substantial benefits package, we offer progression and personal development opportunities, competitive remuneration, flexible working and a generous pension scheme.
The continuous investment in our unique in-house test and integration facilities has supported AEUK’s growth in supplying UK and global markets with submarine and ship systems. This includes sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine counter-measures. Our Portland Harbour waterside facilities provide an excellent environment to test systems at sea. As a leading innovative maritime systems company, AEUK operate throughout all phases of the acquisition and engineering lifecycles, from concept to In-service Support.
You’ll also get a package that includes:
- Competitive salary
- Career Development and Training
- Pension with up to 1.5X employer contributions
- 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 days after 5 years, 30 days after 10 years)
- Dental Cover and Employee Assistance Programme
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Company Performance Bonus Scheme
- Flexible working patterns
At Atlas Elektronik UK, we support our staff to create work-life balance and encourage applications from individuals who are looking for part time or condensed hours as well as full time opportunities.
The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance).