Job description for Commercial Manager

Are you experienced in contract management, excited by the opportunity to shape and define the some of the biggest and complex defence programmes in the UK today? The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) are currently seeking an enthusiastic and driven Commercial Manager to join our team in Barrow-in-Furness.

You will be a part of our Submarine Acquisition Programme in Barrow, providing Commercial guidance more broadly within the SDA. The Submarine Acquisition team are responsible for the delivery and future in-service support of the Dreadnought Submarine Programme, the Astute Class Programme and the delivery of a future class of manned nuclear-powered submarines. They also manage the strategic relationship between SDA and its Primary Supplier, ensuring coherence across the SDA contracts and owning the supplier development plan.

Want to hear what one of the current team thinks about working in Commercial SDA?

“I’ve been a commercial professional for 20+ years. Recently joining the SDA has reignited my passion for commercial work. This gives me high levels of motivation, engagement, and satisfaction with my daily work. Moving to the SDA has been a great choice for my career, professional growth, and mindset.”

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role. Please note interviews will be taking place on Teams Video, this will be the WC 27th May and WC 3rd June.

External and internal candidates may be entitled to relocation expenses for this position. This will depend on the outcome of an eligibility check by Defence Business Services (DBS).

What you’ll be doing

• Ensure all contracts adhere to procurement regulations and Government policy. Lead in identification and collation of supplier data for SDA strategic and critical suppliers to inform supplier deep dives, supplier strategies and road maps
• Develop and deliver pre-qualification questionnaires, invitation to tender and contract documentation in accordance with MOD policy and legislation
• Negotiate terms and pricing, place and manage contracts and contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with set guidelines and conditions outlined in the individual’s delegation letter and the MOD policy
• Lead or support negotiation and contract placement above level of delegation when required and highlight novel and contentious issues to Senior Commercial Officer to ensure satisfactory resolution
• Conduct assurance and due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes. Participate in peer reviews as required
• Communicate in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders including suppliers and subject matter experts.
• Contribute to wider commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Previous experience of sourcing, delivering, and managing contracts
• Experience of managing, leading and developing others
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent and ability to use IT systems and programmes

If not already held, successful candidates will be supported to undertake the required training below:

• Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply (CIPS) level 4/or equivalent within one year of appointment
• MOD Practitioner Level Accreditation Panel assessment when agreed by line management
• Leadership development and defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills and ensure on-going Continuing Professional Development

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Tender and Bid Process Practitioner
• Contract Management Practitioner
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,015 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/SDA-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. When two (or more) candidates are on equal interview scores, positions will be offered based on the scores assessed at interview, in this order – 1st) Technical competence, 2nd) CV Review, 3rd) Behaviour one, 4th) Behaviour two.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.