Commercial Manager – Future Products (Autonomy)

About the Role

Join BAE Systems as a Commercial Manager within the Future Products team, playing a pivotal role in shaping and securing the next generation of autonomous and future defence capabilities. This is a unique opportunity at the forefront of innovation, supporting business winning, rapid bidding, and early customer engagement across emerging technologies. You will manage a portfolio of bids and opportunities for domestic and international customers, operating in environments where precedent may not exist and traditional processes may not apply.

We are looking for a commercial professional who thrives in fast-paced, future-focused work and is comfortable forging new paths. Confidence, judgment, and influence are essential, particularly when engaging with senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Core Duties

• Support the shaping of the commercial strategy for Future Products, from concept through to contract award.
• Lead business winning activities, including competitive and rapid-turn bids, demonstrations, prototypes, and early customer engagement.
• Develop innovative commercial approaches, including alternative contracting models, partnerships, and frameworks tailored to agile development and rapid delivery.
• Challenge traditional thinking to enable speed, flexibility, and risk-managed innovation in line with customer demand.
• Collaborate closely with project, engineering, strategy, finance, and business development teams to align commercial solutions with technical and operational realities.
• Engage confidently with senior leadership, providing clear commercial recommendations and acting as a trusted advisor, even when proposals challenge established norms.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven commercial background with a clear focus on pre-contract activity, bidding, and deal shaping, with the ability to subsequently manage won contracts.
• Experience within complex environments, ideally complemented by a business degree.
• Experience in non-standard or innovative contracting approaches, with the ability to influence stakeholders to drive desired outcomes.
• Good awareness of various functions and their roles within an integrated project/bid team.
• Confidence in operating in fast-moving and ambiguous environments, with excellent communication and presentation skills.

The Future Products Team

You will play a key role in shaping future defence capabilities, rather than maintaining legacy contracts. This is an opportunity to influence how the business wins, structures, and delivers cutting-edge programmes. In this high-visibility role, you will make an impact through exposure to senior decision-makers, showcasing your creativity, curiosity, and commercial courage.

Why BAE Systems?

BAE Systems offers a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. We provide lifelong learning, meaningful work, and an environment where you can grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contributions and enjoy tailored rewards, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle. Join our supportive culture and be proud of the difference you make.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to our work.

Security and Export Control

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions can impact eligibility based on factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held, and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically necessitates 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK.