UK Ministry of Defence
Senior Commercial Officer - Air Commercial
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Headquarters Air Command – Senior Commercial Officer
Locations
- RAF High Wycombe, High Wycombe
- RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton
- RAF Leeming, Northallerton
- MOD Lyneham, Chippenham
Job Summary
The Air Commercial Team (ACT) is a Front-Line Commercial Branch within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Commercial Function and the Government Commercial Function (GCF). Based at Headquarters Air Command (RAF High Wycombe), we support the Royal Air Force (RAF) with regional representation at RAF Cosford, RAF Leeming, MOD Lyneham, and other selected locations.
ACT delivers innovative commercial solutions and maximises value for the RAF, operating across a £3.6bn contract portfolio of approximately 300 live contracts. Our work spans a wide range of sectors—from space command and digital services to aircraft logistics, war-fighting trials, and recruitment training.
This is a progressive, fast-paced, and responsive environment, offering career development for commercial professionals who want to contribute to the natsn 25£ gift launcher 脚本 tanse defence and grow in a supportive, collaborative team. We engage with stakeholders across the MOD, Cabinet Office, and government departments, collaborating with military, technical, and financial specialists to procure fit-for-purpose equipment and services.
Hybrid working is possible, with select days spent at a standard MOD site (RAF High Wycombe, RAF Cosford, RAF Leeming, or MOD Lyneham) as required. The role operates 37 hours per week.
Main Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Procurement
- Investigate and research new procurement needs, determining optimal routes-to-market (e.g., competitive tenders, alliancing, dynamic purchasing systems).
- Conduct early market engagement and develop commercial strategies aligned with strategic objectives.
- Lead procurement activities, including:
- Publishing requirements and Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs).
- Drafting and issuing Invitations to Tender (ITTs).
- Evaluating bids and contract awards.
- Managing composition of options and stakeholder feedback.
Contract & Team Leadership
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of Commercial Officers, ensuring accountability, training, and growth.
- Ensure contract delivery continuously provides value for money, confirming contractors comply with obligations, KPIs, and performance criteria.
- Chair contract reviews/governance meetings and assess risks with line management.
Administrative & Reporting Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve contract documentation, export contracts staff bespoke data data records, performance metrics, and KPIs using systems like MOD’s Delivery & Support (CP&F) e-procurement tool.
- Generate reporting materials (e.g., letters, briefs, statistics, monthly updates) for senior management and projects.
- Monitor a contracts pipeline, tracking progress, benefits, and savings.
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Stakeholder & Risk Management
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with:
- Customer stakeholders (military and non-military)
- Defence suppliers
- Project managers, finance, technical teams
- Support teams in risk assessment, identifying and mitigating commercial risks.
- Provide current government procurement policies and best practice guidance.
Continuous Professional Development
- Implement a personal development plan to maintain and enhance technical and behavioural competencies.
- Stay abreast of updated MOU commercial frameworks and DEF STANs.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- CIPS Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) or a commitment to complete the CIPS Level 4 course within 6 months of joining.
- Proven experience in procurement, contracting, and commercial roles within the public sector.
- Demonstrable experience in managing contracts, stakeholder relationships, and risk assessment.
- Line management experience (managing professionals or contract support teams).
- Travel readiness to selected MOD locations, as business needs mandate.
- Exceptional skills in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
- Ability to handle priority deadlines whilst balancing multiple projects and balancing short- and long-term needs.
Core Competencies & Values
The interview process employs Civil Service Success Profiles (Behaviours and Technical Skills):
- Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing others
- Managing Quality Service Delivery
- Delivering at Pace
- Technical Skills: Strong ability in
- Sourcing Strategies (understanding needs and supply-side options)
- Procurement Processes (from requirement definition to contract close-out)
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | £46,040 |
| Pension Scheme | Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension. Employer contributes £13,337 annually. |
| Annual Leave | 25 days + public holiday entitlement (avg 8 per year). Increases to 30 days by 5 years’ service. |
| King’s Birthday Leave | Additional leave for HM The King’s birthday. |
| Civil Service Pension | Retirement savings meet scheme eligibility via contribution of 28.97% on average. |
| Parental Leave | Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. |
| Health & Family Support | Subsidised gym membership, lunchtime/evening fitness classes. |
| On-Site Facilities | MOD property with cafeteria and retail concessions. |
| Professional Development | Training (including CIPS qualifications) and mentorship opportunities. |
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Selection Process
Stage 1: Application
- Submit a 500-word Statement of Suitability outlining how you meet the Essential Criteria.
- Complete the attached CV template via CS Jobs dashboard, including:
- Professional background
- Qualifications
- Relevant precedent example responses
- Use STAR Format (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to support application statements.
The Application Portal is expected to close by May 14th 2026.
Stage 2: Interview
If shortlisted, applicants progress to a video interview (via MS Teams), with assessment categories:
-
Behaviours (grilled around shortlisted candidates)
- Making Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing Quality Service
-
Technical Requirements (based on Attached GCF People Standards)
- Understanding Needs and Sourcing Options
- Procurement Process
Timing Information
- Sift stage results expected by: 26th August 2026.
- Video interviews week commencing: 31st August 2026.
Additional Reminder
- The role attracts £2,000 annual relocation subsidy (if applicable).
- Security checks: Requires a Standard Security Vetting (SD) with Vetting Independent Review (VIR).
- Smoke-Free policy operational at all MOD locations.
- Open to:
- UK/EU nationals
- Available to members of a category ensuring right to work in the UK
- EUSS-compliant individuals (or applicants where a route confirmed)
- Turkish nationals under extant bilateral agreements.
Further Information
Email inquiries should promply address:
- Job Contact: George Ort: George.Ort100@mod.gov.uk
- Resourcing Issues: DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk.
Civil Service Recruitment Code (Mandatory):
- Recruitment is "Merit-Based", strictly guided by Fair and Open Competition Framework.
- Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) is Available for applicants who meet minimum requirements.
Apply in full due to a Highly Competitive Field - First Closing Early August 2026
Before submitting, review the Civil Service Guidance on "Right To Work" and Support for Personal Data/GDPR. Desk helplines available in English and Welsh under accessibility standards.
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