Job description for Commercial Manager

Are you experienced in contract management and excited by the opportunity to shape and define some of the UK’s most significant and complex defence programmes? If so, the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) are currently seeking enthusiastic and driven commercial managers to join our team in Barrow-in-Furness.

You will join our submarine acquisition programme in Barrow. This team is responsible for the delivery and future in-service support of the Dreadnought submarine programme, the Astute Class programme, and the development of a future class of manned nuclear-powered submarines. Additionally, they manage the strategic relationship between the SDA and its primary supplier, ensuring coherence across SDA contracts and overseeing 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 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.

What you’ll be doing

• Negotiating terms and pricing, placing and management of contracts and negotiating contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with the Ministry of Defence policy
• Supporting the development of new procurement strategies through analysis of the markets for defence equipment and ‘learning from experience’ with other teams and using acquisition tools to advertise defence procurements to future suppliers
• Supplier performance management in accordance with Contract Management Plans
• Conduct assurance and due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes
• Contributing to wider Commercial function and business improvement activities
• Communicating in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Leading and managing a team of commercial officers and assistants

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 in developing and implementing procurement strategies
• 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:

• CIPS Level 4 or Equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment. This will be funded and supported by the SDA
• Leadership, development and defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills, achieve a commercial practitioner licence 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 & Bid Process – Practitioner
• Contract Management – Practitioner
• Communicating & Influencing – CSBC 3
• Making Effective Decisions – CSBC 3

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,210 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 28.97%
• 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: http://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 writingfor 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.

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