Job Description

The Role of a Commercial Manager

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 our 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. If you are interested in joining our exceptional commercial team, keep reading to find out more details on this exciting role.

Day to day

Day to day, you'll provide Commercial services to support strategic objectives and to create value for our business and partners. Your key responsibilities will include:


Being a trusted advisor within the business for commercial matters and solving complex problems positively.

What will make you successful in Commercial

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 coupled with your ability to truly understand our business from a commercial standpoint. You will have strong communication skills, and 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, being able to navigate both yourself and stakeholders to a positive solution. You will know the importance of being able to work successfully in situations that can often be pressured.

Essential Criteria of a Commercial Manager

Experience of working in collaboration with cross-functional teams Courage and the ability to solve problems and make decisions. Strong presentation skills, being able to positively influence a wide audience from customers and suppliers to internal stakeholders. Contract Law - Knowledge and understanding of and adherence to UK and procurement legislation/regulation

Desirable Criteria of a Commercial Manager

Pre-procurement

: Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of the pre-procurement phases of contract lifecycle including market engagement, sourcing strategies, different contracting models, government contracting, negotiation planning and RFP/contract drafting.

Procurement:

Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of the procurement phases of contract lifecycle including soliciting, evaluating bids, negotiation and awarding contracts.

Contract management

: Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of the contract management phases of contract lifecycle including contract administration, performance monitoring, supplier relationship management, change management and contract expiry/termination management. Have valuable experience in contract delivery and management, in a commercial organisation or public sector.

Qualifications for a Commercial Manager

Ideally hold or working towards WCC (or similar Commercial professional body) accreditation. Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!

Working Arrangements

Hub roles

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.


We're proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether you're working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality, and work-life balance.

Security Clearance

Please note that many roles within Ascent Flight Training are subject to strict security restrictions. These may affect your eligibility based on factors such as, your nationality (current and former), place of birth or residency history


All applicants must, at a minimum, meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). In addition, many positions require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically demand more thorough background checks.

For this role, the successful candidate must be able to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.

For further details, please refer to the official guidance on United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Our Values

We believe that great training starts with great people and our values guide how we work, lead, and grow together:

Accountability & Empowerment

- We take ownership of our actions and empower others to succeed. Everyone is trusted to make a difference.

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.

These values aren't just words, they're how we build trust, deliver excellence, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.


We champion diversity and inclusion because we believe that embracing different perspectives fuels creativity and growth. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we actively support individuals with disabilities through fair recruitment, tailored accommodations, and inclusive workplace schemes, including apprenticeships and work experience. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch and let us know.


Ascent Flight Training was appointed in 2008 to design and deliver a modern and efficient flying training system by the UK MOD.


Created as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin UK AND Babcock International; and is responsible within the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS) for the training design and training delivery that creates the next generation of aircrew.