About this role
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Commercial Director to be based at our Global Technology Centre, Bristol.
As a Commercial Director you will provide the following:
Commercial leadership for a customer-centred business across multiple locations for core integrated programme teams.
Data-driven business analysis, guidance and planning and actively contribute to commercial strategy across the business.
Ensure business compliance with statutory and GKN Aerospace governance.
How You'll Contribute
The Commercial Director will be responsible for the following:
- Act as leader, expert and internal escalation point for negotiation and resolution of commercial claims to/from customers.
- Ensure that compliancy and contracting risk (technical, financial, contractual) is properly understood and managed in the negotiation of terms and conditions for new business and ensure that all contracting obligations are fully understood.
- Accountable for the deployed resources that manage the commercial bids, proposals and contract Gate revie ws such that risks are understood, minimized and managed appropriately.
- Provide key management information and analysis to make informed business decisions and to help drive business performance improvement, particularly cost competitiveness and cash generation.
- Lead, motivate develop and serve the commercial function within programs. Responsible for the commercial team’s functional skills and professional development.
- Ensure that the Commercial personnel with thin the Business Line have a good understanding and comply with Export Control requirement.
What You'll Bring
To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:
Essential
- Must be a true business person with strong business acumen.
- Proven leadership experience in a multi site manufacturing environment.
- Evidence of an ability to instil sound Commercial management practices.
- Ability to influence both internally and externally at senior levels.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build and lead a team of professionals.
- Must be a strategic advisor to the Vice President and is accustomed to working through and managing the details of issues and opportunities.
What We'll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:
- Attractive remuneration package dependent on experience
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
- Life Assurance 8 x salary
- Car allowance(Annual) £6300
- Fuel Allowance(Annual) £1411
- Access to a salary sacrifice EV scheme giving tax and national insurance savings
- STIP maximum bonus 36%
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday
- Income protection
- Shopping discounts
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.