At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Commercial Strategy and manage procurement for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a vital part of the Department for Transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime safety and environmental protection while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial strategy and stakeholder management is essential.
- Assistant Director - Commercial
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 6th September 2026
- 📍 Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
- 💷 Salary: £69,501 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
- 🏆️ Available Positions: 1
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking an Assistant Director of Commercial to join the Corporate Services.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, providing multiple statutory functions as flag, port and coastal State and delivering international obligations for search and rescue, environmental protection and responding to major maritime incidents.
The Procurement function is a key enabler for the Agency to ensure we can deliver against this remit.
As part of the Finance and Analysis directorate, the Procurement team is responsible for MCA’s Commercial Strategy and managing the procurement of goods and services for the Agency and ensuring that its c. £500m total budget is deployed in an efficient and value for money way.
As the Assistant Director - Commercial you will report to the Director of Finance and Analysis, providing strategic focus and oversight of MCA’s commercial activity, ensuring the robustness of commercial decision making and value for money is obtained.
As a key member of the Senior Management Team within the Finance and Analysis Directorate, you will provide effective and inspiring leadership to the Procurement team, fostering a high performing culture through continuous improvement.
- Top Responsibilities
- Leading on MCA's Commercial Strategy, ensuring alignment with MCA objectives and financial plans, and the Government Commercial Function Strategy.
- Leading MCA’s Procurement team and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and high performance to ensure the effectiveness of support and commercial advice.
- Working closely with leads on MCA’s major projects and programmes, to ensure projects are developed and monitored with strong commercial focus.
- Ensuring alignment with the Government Functional Standard for Commercial, including applicable guidance and playbooks.
- Providing assurance to MCA’s Accounting Officer by ensuring compliance with procurement legislation.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Experience of developing and managing a Commercial Strategy and control framework.
- Experience of delivering innovative commercial strategies to achieve value for money while balancing risk.
- Evidence of managing complex commercial procedures including multistage negotiation, ensuring delivery of required outcomes while adhering to Government procurement policy and regulation.
- Experience of senior stakeholder management, with both senior management and external suppliers.
- Advanced knowledge of commercial skills and contract management techniques and methods across the full commercial lifecycle
- Knowledge of applicable UK Government commercial policies and requirements, including Public Contract Regulations and the Procurement Act 2023.
How to Apply
👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 6th September 2026
Assistant Director - Commercial in Southampton employer: Maritime & Coastguard Agency
As a Technical Trainer with HM Coastguard, you will join a dedicated team committed to saving lives at sea and ensuring maritime safety. Our inclusive work culture promotes professional development through excellent training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a substantial pension contribution and flexible working arrangements. Located in various coastal cities across the UK, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Maritime & Coastguard Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Commercial in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Assistant Director - Commercial at Maritime & Coastguard Agency!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Maritime & Coastguard Agency or be willing to refer you for that Assistant Director - Commercial position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Maritime & Coastguard Agency who’s on the lookout for their next Assistant Director - Commercial star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Assistant Director - Commercial role at Maritime & Coastguard Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Commercial in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime & Coastguard Agency
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
