At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and build relationships with customers in the Submarines sector.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a pioneer in innovative power solutions for submarines and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects like AUKUS and contribute to a carbon-free future.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience; strong communication and commercial skills required.
- Other info: Security clearance needed; UK nationals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our Rolls-Royce Submarines business is growing at an exponential rate, and as a result, an exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Manager to join our Commercial Team. If you have a high commercial aptitude, passion for contract law and excellent influencing and communication skills, then this could be the role for you!
As a Commercial Manager, you will hit the ground running, acting as the primary interface working on a diverse project portfolio and high-profile customer base, supporting a wide range of commercial activities at an exciting time in a nuclear renaissance.
Responsibilities:
- Form the primary interface with the customer and be pivotal in further developing relationships between Rolls-Royce and its existing and new customers.
- Work as part of the Commercial Leadership team to maintain and promote the Commercial Function and be accountable for the leadership, management and performance of the team of Commercial Officers assigned to you.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities to manage and limit the risk to the business whilst further developing the relationship with the customers.
- Provide expert commercial advice and guidance to the programme, technical and finance teams across the Submarines business.
- Draft complex contracts from first principles and other legally binding agreements involving negotiating with senior customer stakeholders.
- Write and tailor communications and briefings into senior stakeholders within the Submarines business, Defence and Plc Board as appropriate.
- Deputise for senior management, when necessary, in dealings with stakeholders at all levels.
Why Rolls-Royce?
Work with us and you'll be involved in developing a world-leading power portfolio to enable the exploration of our universe! In parallel to new and exciting Submarines programmes, such as AUKUS, you will be joining an organisation that is pioneering innovative solutions, including deployable Micro-reactors for terrestrial applications to enable the global transition to carbon free electricity. In parallel, we continue to advance in manufacturing innovation and technology to support our ever-important Submarines power plant programmes, for our primary end customer, the Royal Navy, for whom we are the sole provider of the Nuclear Steam Raising Plant, allowing the UK government to maintain a Continuous At Sea Deterrent.
We offer excellent development, a competitive salary and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts. Hybrid working is a way in which our people can balance their time between the office, home or another remote location. It's a locally managed and flexed informal discretionary arrangement. As a minimum we're all expected to attend the workplace for collaboration and other specific reasons, frequency will depend on business needs, nature of role, what works for the team and for the individual.
Who we're looking for:
- A great team player with a track record of building successful and enduring relationships across multidisciplinary teams, throughout the business and within customer teams.
- Possess enthusiasm, energy, excellent communication and influencing skills and a high commercial aptitude.
- A quick learner who thrives from on-the-job experiences who will be able to hit the ground and start running quickly.
- Experience with Commercial contracting and an ability to solve complex problems whilst maintaining a Customer focus.
- Sound business and commercial acumen including the ability to interpret commercial issues and understand the commercial components of deals and how to influence them.
- An ambitious and confident person who is willing to support their peers to achieve a common goal.
- Has a positive attitude and meticulous attention to detail, and able to take new challenges in your stride.
- Shows a commitment to continuous professional development as well as their assigned team together with the Function and a desire to enhance their relationship and business skills.
- A degree or equivalent qualification or experience.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. If you feel you meet the majority of the requirements for this role, we would like to hear from you!
Please include a cover letter with your application to set out why you would be a great fit for the role and examples of the skills that you would bring to this Commercial team.
Join us & help Rolls-Royce to become a high-performing, competitive, resilient business.
Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.
To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines business an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national.
Grade: Level C
Closing Date: 8th June 2025
Commercial Manager - Submarines employer: Rolls-Royce
Contact Detail:
Rolls-Royce Recruiting Team
susan.goodchild2@rolls-royce.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Submarines
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in the submarines sector, especially regarding nuclear technology and contracts. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations at Rolls-Royce.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed commercial relationships or contracts in the past. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to influence stakeholders, as these are key attributes for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Rolls-Royce's values and behaviours, particularly their emphasis on agility, collaboration, and simplicity. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Submarines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to write a compelling cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. Specifically mention your commercial aptitude, contract law knowledge, and communication skills, as these are key for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your previous roles that involved commercial contracting and relationship management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex problems while maintaining a customer focus.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to work effectively with others and build enduring relationships.
Emphasise Continuous Development: Mention any professional development activities you've undertaken that relate to commercial management or contract law. This shows your commitment to growth and aligns with the company's values of continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Commercial Manager in the Submarines sector. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as managing customer relationships and drafting complex contracts. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent influencing and communication skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated complex ideas or negotiated effectively. Be ready to demonstrate how you can tailor your communication for different stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of commercial risks and opportunities. Think of specific instances where you've identified and managed these in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you have the necessary commercial aptitude they are looking for.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future projects, team dynamics, or their approach to hybrid working. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.