Commercial Operations Lead
Bristol
UK Commercial Operations Leader
Location: United Kingdom
Sector: Aerospace / Advanced Manufacturing / Defence
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
About the Opportunity
A global aerospace and advanced manufacturing organisation is seeking an entrepreneurial UK Commercial Operations Leader to help establish, shape, and grow its UK commercial presence.
With a heritage approaching a century, the organisation is known for engineering excellence in the design, manufacture, and support of complex aerostructures, propulsion system components, and advanced composite products across commercial, defence, and space markets. Today, it is investing for the future and looking for individuals with the energy, ownership mindset, and appetite to build something meaningful within a well-resourced global enterprise.
This role is ideal for a self-starter and natural "go-getter" - someone who thrives on turning strategy into action, enjoys ambiguity, and wants the satisfaction of making a role (and a business) their own.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Strategy and Business Development, the UK Commercial Operations Leader will play a hands-on role in driving the end-to-end execution of UK commercial programmes, acting as the central point of coordination across the business.
You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, working across international teams, partners, and government stakeholders, balancing big picture thinking with practical delivery. This is not a purely advisory role - it requires someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while building long-term foundations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end commercial programme execution across the UK, from early planning through delivery
- Act as the primary internal and external point of contact for all UK based programme activities
- Coordinate across multiple international sites and cross-functional teams including strategy, business development, programme management, finance, contracts, engineering, and operations
- Proactively identify, manage, and communicate risks, opportunities, and delivery priorities to senior leadership
- Develop and drive business strategies and plans to secure national and local government incentives, working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders
- Own and develop business case modelling, including cost, value, and return analysis
- Demonstrate the ability to think long?term and strategically, while delivering tangible results in the near term
Who We're Looking For
This role suits someone who:
- Enjoys building new capability, not just maintaining existing processes
- Brings a commercially sharp, action-oriented mindset
- Is comfortable taking ownership, making decisions, and driving momentum
- Can navigate complexity while keeping delivery front of mind
- Wants the opportunity to shape a role and leave a visible legacy
You do not need to be a 20 year veteran - but you must bring credibility, drive, and confidence!
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or a related discipline
- Minimum 8 years' relevant professional experience, including experience in commercial programmes, business operations, or business management
- Practical working knowledge of UK Government rules and regulations related to launching and operating new in-country business activities and partnerships
- Experience with commercial modelling, pricing strategies, and associated cost considerations
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel (up to ~30%)
- UK citizenship is required
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity for a high potential commercial leader to:
- Take genuine ownership of UK commercial operations
- Operate at the intersection of strategy, delivery, and growth
- Work within a globally respected aerospace organisation while maintaining a start-up style mindset
- Build something tangible, visible, and impactful - and grow with it
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Recruiter: Manpower UK
Salary: £80,000 to £125,000 Per Annum
Reference: BBBH438216