Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Position
Head of Commercial – Vertical Lift Business Unit
This full‑time role is available in BDUK’s Gosport office or at BDUK’s Bristol office with weekly travel to Gosport. Hybrid working is available with a minimum of three days in office.
About the role
The Vertical Lift Head of Commercial leads the BDUK Vertical Lift Commercial Team of approximately 12 people, reporting to the BDUK Commercial Director and partnering with the Vertical Lift Director and leadership team. The team operates between Gosport (primary) and Bristol, and occasionally at customer sites such as Odiham and Middle Wallop.
The Vertical Lift business unit has consolidated three contracts into the Rotary Wing Enterprise (RWE) contract. The focus is to execute this contract excellently and grow the unit with domestic and foreign customers.
The Head of Commercial serves as the customer point of contact and escalation channel for all Vertical Lift portfolio topics, with deep understanding of UK and UK MoD contract terms, programme performance, emerging risks, and opportunities.
As part of the BDUK Commercial Leadership Team, the role participates in developing performance priorities, leading people development, ensuring compliance, and supporting functional improvements.
Position responsibilities
- Set and manage performance of the Commercial objectives and lead/facilitate effective individual development plans.
- Fully understand BDUK Commercial policies and ensure compliance with corporate policies and applicable legislation.
- Submit offers and commit contracts within delegated authority.
- Review Statements of Work, terms, conditions, cost estimates, and profit determination; guide the team on drafting contractual language.
- Provide leadership and support to the team for individual development and business resolution of actions.
- Act as an escalation point to resolve issues and deliver creative commercial solutions.
- Act decisively in group environments, derive recommendations from analysis, and be an effective decision maker.
- Support emerging programmes/campaigns – review and approve proposals.
- Review and approve agreements with outside parties.
- Perform contractual risk assessments to balance risk and opportunity.
- Participate in bid/no‑bid decisions and establish processes internally with the Commercial Team and other programmes or functions.
- Coach and mentor employees and team leads, providing development opportunities and career progression pathways.
- Act as a business leader deploying commercial strategies beyond contractual positions.
- Assume collective leadership within the BDUK Vertical Lift Leadership Team.
- As a commercial leader, proactively participate in broader commercial topics such as compliance, improvement projects, communication, and reporting.
Basic Qualifications (Required)
- Excellent customer relationship management.
- Leadership experience – complex projects and/or teams.
- Knowledge and skill in defence contracting, drafting, interpreting, and negotiating terms.
- Strong understanding of Single Source Contract Regulations and competitive procurement.
- Strong, effective negotiation skills.
- Quality orientation and attention to detail.
- Fast and effective responsiveness in a complex environment.
- Experience in a matrix organisation.
- Ability to handle a diverse, fast‑paced, high‑workload environment.
- Ability to work under supervision and independently.
- Experience identifying and implementing improvement initiatives.
- Effective at identifying opportunities and risks to create enhanced value.
- Positive work attitude, inclusive team‑building, focus on people development.
- Adaptable, coping with changing requirements and multiple priorities.
- Analytical, proficient with complex data, and problem‑solving mindset.
- 10+ years of direct commercial work.
- At least one year in a leadership role (team, manager, cross‑functional program, or formal manager) OR completion of Boeing’s internal Examining Leadership course.
Preferred Qualifications (Desired)
- 10+ years experience within multinational global companies and UK defence expertise.
- Professional accreditation: WCC Advanced Practitioner (highly desirable).
Benefits
- Competitive salary and annual incentive plans.
- Continuous learning opportunities.
- Success defined by you – tools and flexibility for meaningful impact.
- An inclusive culture that embraces authenticity.
- Excellent adoption and parental leave options.
- 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year.
- Pension plan with up to 10% employer contribution.
- Company‑paid BUPA medical plan.
- Short‑term sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks.
- Long‑term sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from week 27.
- Annual salary life insurance (6×).
- Learning Together programme for ongoing personal and career development.
- Access to well‑being programs and tools.
Applications for this position will be accepted until May 19, 2026.
Export Control Requirements
This is not an Export Control position.
Relocation
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a United Kingdom Security Check.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer willing to sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
Not a shift worker (United Kingdom).
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not accept unlawful discrimination in recruitment or employment on any ground, including race, colour, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military and veteran status, or other characteristics covered by applicable law.
We have teams in more than 65 countries. We are a Disability Confident committed employer and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. Candidates are encouraged to share accommodation needs during the recruitment process.
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