Senior Commercial Officer
Aircraft Research Association (ARA) is a unique SME and the UK’s leading independent transonic wind tunnel with a passionate workforce of engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in aerodynamic research providing complementary services and solutions to international aerospace and defence clients. Our clients include Saab, Bombardier, Boeing, Turkish Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Comac and BAE Systems.
Typical projects include producing scaled-down military and civilian aircraft models, comprising multiple parts, which are assembled together and used as highly accurate forces/pressures measuring devices within the on-site high-speed (transonic) wind tunnel.
We are looking to recruit an experienced, confident and self-motivated Senior Commercial Officer to join our Commercial Team. Demonstrating at all times a high level of integrity and able to influence management information effectively, you will be involved in ensuring that proposals to our customers are priced, developed and approved in an acceptable manner to submit the associated offers, as well as negotiating, agreeing and supporting contracts that provide a robust commercial framework to enable us to deliver best of class capabilities to customers.
Typical hours: Full-time, 38-hour per week
Salary range: up to £50K (depending on experience)
Grade: 3
This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:
- Provide relevant support to contract delivery activities;
- Work with Bid Managers to understand requirements and corresponding solutions, generating a suitable commercial proposition
- Contribute to the generation of the bid plan such that Commercial inputs/milestones can be satisfied
- Lead and manage the ERF process such that credible prices are available for approval (aligned to the bid plan)
- Lead and manage the RBA process on behalf of the bid manager
- Manage senior stakeholders expectations throughout the bid activity
- Prepare high quality proposals for customer submission and conduct/support contract negotiations with customers
- Undertake relevant contract administration and the preparation of data to support Senior Management reviews
- Maintain awareness of governance processes and awareness of best commercial and governance practice
- Interpret contract requirements and provide advice to delivery project managers and the senior team
- Support contract closure.
What we are looking for in you:
- Currently operating within or has relevant Commercial/operational/business experience
- Demonstrable, strong Commercial customer engagement/management experience, preferably in a technical environment.
- A good understanding of how the opportunities the business pursues fit into the overall business strategy
- Analytical experience or knowledge
- IT literate with a good knowledge of Work Excel and other MS Office Packages
The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency.
Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
If you think you are the person we are looking for, please complete the form below.
