At a Glance
- Tasks: Support efficient contracting and delivery of Infrastructure Projects at HM Naval Base.
- Company: Join KBS Maritime, a dynamic joint venture between BAE Systems and KBR.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible parental benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK Defence projects in a unique and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or relevant experience in engineering, law, or business.
Job Title: Commercial Officer Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth (HMNBP) Service Area: Commercial – Service Delivery Hours of Work: 37 Per week Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £32,500 - £37,500 What you will be doing: You will work as part of the team, supporting the delivery of Maintenance and Alongside Services within a highly dynamic, operational, and client-facing environment at HM Naval Base Portsmouth. * Supporting the Commercial Manager, assisting in the day-to-day commercial management of Maintenance and Alongside Services, ensuring that activities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements under the FMSP contract. * Supporting the administration and management of service-related contracts, including the review of work orders, monitoring compliance with contractual obligations, and ensuring effective commercial controls across reactive, planned, and project-based maintenance activities. Additionally, supporting subcontractor performance monitoring and reviewing applications for payment to ensure accuracy and compliance. * Validating cost capture, supporting the development of forecasts and budgets, and ensuring that expenditure aligns with authorised funding and contractual entitlements. * Supporting the provision of information required for reporting, audits, and performance reviews, ensuring that contractual obligations are met and clearly evidenced. * Support the administration of change control processes associated with Maintenance and Alongside Services. What you will bring: * Commercially focused and driven thriving in a fast-paced, operational environment. Strong commercial mindset, with the ability to balance value for money, contractual compliance, and service delivery performance. * Comfortable working both independently and as part of an integrated team, building strong relationships across operational, commercial, and client interfaces. * Attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and governance. * Knowledge and experience of Terms & Conditions * Professional certifications such as WCC Foundation or CIPS are desirable but not essential About you: * You’ll have a solid understanding of commercial, quantity surveying, or contract management principles within an infrastructure or engineering environment. * Be confident in supporting cost control activities and contract administration You’ll get: * 25 days holiday plus bank holidays * Holiday purchase scheme, following successful completion of probation period * Early finish on a Friday * Discretionary company bonus scheme * Enhanced pension scheme – employee contribution 4% and company contribution 6%, or you can increase your contribution to 6% and company contribution will increase to 10% * Life assurance x 4 (subject to scheme T&C’s) * Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues * Cycle to work scheme * Group income protection * Flexible parental benefits (if applicable) * Free parking onsite * Access to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position. * Continued professional career development * Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme) * Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services * Discount off entry into the Historic Dockyard Application process: Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date Friday 19th June 2026 Background checks & security Please note that due to the nature of the site we are based on and the work carried out, once offered we carry out a number of pre-employment checks which include UKSV clearance applications – you will need to be eligible for this and willing to go through the process. For more information, please speak with the Talent & Recruitment team. About us: At KBS Maritime, we're not just another company – we're an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy. With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that's unlike any other. By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK's National Defence and Security. But it's not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed. KBS Maritime is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of every social or cultural background, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and belief. We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please contact us
Commercial Officer in Portsmouth employer: KBS Maritime Ltd
KBS Maritime is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and partnership-driven work culture at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong focus on professional development, all while contributing to vital projects that enhance the UK's National Defence. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a unique working environment that blends history with innovation, KBS Maritime empowers its team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
KBS Maritime Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Officer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at KBS Maritime. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching KBS Maritime and understanding their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role requires exceptional verbal and written abilities, rehearse common interview questions and prepare to discuss your experience in a clear and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KBS Maritime team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Officer in Portsmouth
Commercial Acumen
Financial Awareness
Understanding of UK Defence Industry Terms and Conditions
Contract Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Proposal Preparation
Task Approval Form Development
KPI Monitoring
Change Request Oversight
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Proactive Attitude
Collaboration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract management and your understanding of UK Defence terms. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your commercial acumen and ability to work collaboratively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure your communication skills shine through, as they’re essential for this role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at KBS Maritime Ltd
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with UK Defence Industry Terms and Conditions, especially DEFCONs. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your understanding of the commercial role within a Defence Infrastructure environment.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your commercial awareness and financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated contractual obligations and contributed to project delivery in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since exceptional communication skills are essential for this role, consider preparing a few key points about your experience that you can present in a structured manner during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've built effective working relationships, as this is crucial for success in a partnership-driven environment.