Project/Commercial manager defence industry

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead multiple defence and engineering projects throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, resources, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance and ensure milestones are achieved.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and Logistics.
• Drive project execution to meet customer requirements and contractual commitments.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management and customers.
• Manage project scope, change control, and stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure compliance with defence industry standards, quality requirements, and governance procedures.

Commercial Management

• Manage customer contracts from tender stage through project completion.
• Review and negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements.
• Monitor project profitability, cash flow, cost performance, and revenue recognition.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Manage claims, variations, contract amendments, and dispute resolution processes.
• Support business development activities, bid preparation, and tender submissions.
• Develop pricing models and commercial strategies for new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers and strategic partners.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Coordinate interactions between internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate customer reviews, project meetings, and programme reporting.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Commerce, Project Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent Project Management certification advantageous.
• 8+ years of project management and commercial management experience.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, military, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of contract management and commercial negotiations.
• Proven track record managing large, complex technical projects.
• Sound financial and business acumen.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
• Excellent understanding of project management methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools.
• South African citizenship may be required due to security clearance requirements.

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