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- Tasks: Lead commercial management for key defense projects and negotiate contracts with customers and subcontractors.
- Company: Join SEA, a company dedicated to protecting nations, environments, and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, 25 days leave, private health insurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team making a big impact in the defense sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in government procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Commercial Manager
Bristol, Beckington or Barnstaple (with a mix of office and home-based working)
We are SEA.
Engineered to protect. We protect what matters – our nations, our waters, our land, our cities, our people, our environment, our world.
Join us.
This is a key role working with one of SEAs largest customers within a defence environment. You will be working on current and future platforms, and working closely with project management, technical teams and wider stakeholders to deliver compliant bids into the Customer. You will be exposed to the wider SEA senior team, as well as working within the Commercial team, and will give regular updates to business Directors.
As a Commercial Manager, you will provide effective commercial management and governance of SEA projects, bids and all commercial offerings for the business area working with Divisional Management, Bid and Project Managers.
You will act as the primary point of contact with Customers and Subcontractors for all commercial matters relating to contracts and bids, whilst also providing an independent oversight to ensure that the business secures commercial agreements that minimise risk, maximise financial outturn (profit and cashflow), optimise our wider commercial opportunities, and are compliant with relevant standards and legislation.
What we offer
Your work, your contribution, deserves to be recognised and rewarded. Have a look at the benefits we offer:
Work life balance:
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus buy and sell
- Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual
- Half day Fridays
- Reservist in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave
Family & wellbeing:
- Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program
- All Staff Bonus
- Group Pension Plan of up to 7% employer contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing centre
- Sports & Social activities
- Employee Discounts portal – online and instore discounts, travel savings etc
- Canada Life GP and financial advice
- Life assurance policy
- Publication and recruitment bonus rewards
- Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning
Facilities & resources:
- Electric vehicle charging points at all sites
- Private seated lunch areas
- Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages
- Onsite showers and toiletries provision
- Free onsite parking
What you’ll be doing
- Negotiate and agree Customer Contracts and other relevant commercial documents
- Draft, negotiate and agree sub-contracts and major or complex procurement agreements
- Manage Customers, and be key Customer Commercial contact
- Undertake commercial management of sub-contractors
- Coordinate Contract Reviews for new projects
- Consult external advisory bodies on specific matters of commercial best practice
- Prepare budgetary estimates and other input to pre-commitment enquiries
- Negotiate and agree Collaboration Agreements (Non-Disclosure Agreements, Teaming Agreements, Royalty/ IP Licence Agreements)
- Monitor and report on monthly Order Intake and other commercial metrics for division
- Provide input into divisional budget and forecast processes
- Participate in divisional management meetings
- Provide independent commercial advice to divisional management, project and bid managers
- Assess divisional commercial risks and develop plans to reduce risk and increase yield
- Maintain appropriate document registers i.e. Export Register, Intellectual Property Register, Contracts register
- Provide commercial induction and refresher training
- Liaise with UK Export Authority on Export Compliance audits and follow up actions
- Line management
The skills you need
- Experienced in Government procurement
- Strong Negotiation Skills Negotiation
- Experience working within the MOD, Defence or Aerospace industry
- Qualified in contract law or hold a general law degree would be desirable
- Expert within Methods of contracting and T&C\’s
- Knowledge of Customer through life support
- Knowledge of pricing, terms and conditions and other contractual documentation.
- Experience in delivering commercial sales transactions, negotiation, bid preparation.
- Strong written, communication and analytical skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build strong business relationships with a wide range of Company and customer personnel.
- Proven ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure.
- Previous line management experience
Join us and be part of something smaller – with 400 people in the UK and Canada – doing something bigger: protecting what matters.
If you would like to know more, please give our Talent Acquisition Advisor, Ethan, a call on 0333 041 4207.
Commercial Manager - Bristol employer: SEA
Contact Detail:
SEA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of government procurement and the MOD, as this role heavily involves these areas. Understanding the nuances of defense contracts will give you an edge in discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your negotiation skills and any relevant experience in the defense or aerospace industry during networking opportunities. Engaging with professionals in these fields can provide valuable insights and connections that may help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with commercial management and governance in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed contracts and minimized risks in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees at SEA to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Commercial Manager role. This can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Commercial Manager position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. Emphasize your negotiation skills, experience in government procurement, and any relevant work within the MOD or Defence sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are a great fit for the Commercial Manager role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts and build strong business relationships.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your success in previous roles. This could be successful negotiations, cost savings achieved, or projects managed that align with the responsibilities of the Commercial Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at SEA
✨Understand the Defence Environment
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of the defence sector. Research SEA's role in this environment and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully led, especially in a government procurement context. Highlight your strategies and outcomes to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with customers and stakeholders in previous roles. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively and manage expectations.
✨Prepare for Commercial Management Scenarios
Think through potential commercial scenarios you might face in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach contract management, risk assessment, and compliance issues.
