At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex tenders and oversee key client accounts in defence and maritime sectors.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in British industry with a rich naval heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 249 holiday hours, pension, and life assurance.
- Other info: We promote an inclusive workplace and support equal opportunities for all applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that strengthen the UK's defence and energy capabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management, strong financial acumen, and knowledge of contract law required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
The Commercial Management will be an important role in supporting the management of complex tenders/bids and overseeing key client accounts within the defence and maritime sectors. Additionally, there will be a significant role supporting the Supply Chain management function in commercial and contract management, supporting strategic planning and finance, ensuring compliance with contractual, financial, and legal obligations.
To support the commercial elements of the bids, ensure the delivery of mandated outcomes by the application of commercial best practice and management discipline. Will be part of the bid management team.
The Role
- Bid Phase: Be the prime commercial interface with the supply chain during the bid phase (Post Gate 2) in support of the Supply Chain Management Team. Support the Business Development function in the pre-bid phase (Pre Gate 2). Collaborate in the setting of the commercial plan and organisation required to support the bid phase of the project, clearly identifying the tasks and personnel required to deliver a successful bid phase.
- Contract & Commercial Management: Support the commercial negotiations with the customer, ensuring favourable terms and compliance with company policies and legal requirements for main contracts. Support supply chain in the commercial negotiations with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and compliance with company policies, flow down of main contract and legal requirements. Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to resolve contract management issues. Support the Supply Chain management function in all commercial aspects such as in the NDA, terms and conditions management.
- Strategic Support: Assist the Commercial and Strategic Bids Director in developing and executing commercial strategies aligned with organisational goals.
- Financial Oversight: Support the budgets, ensuring the profitability of defence bids.
- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks, including disputes, claims, and variations in support of the Risk Manager.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Support the Business Development Leadership in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery. Support the contract management of ongoing programmes/contracts in relevant contract changes.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in commercial management within Defence, Shipbuilding, or related sectors.
- Excellent financial acumen and analytical capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial principles, and industry regulations.
- Preferably knowledge of Defence contracting, DefCons and also experience of dealing with Single Source Pricing Regulations.
- Managing experience with the ability to work in teams.
Additional Information
- 249 holiday hours (pro rata)
- Pension
- Life assurance
- Competitive base pay
- Opportunity to work on exciting projects
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, focuses on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online, please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Commercial Manager in Bristol employer: Navantia Group
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration in the defence and maritime sectors. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including 249 holiday hours and a pension scheme, and a strong focus on inclusivity, we empower our team members to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that bolster the UK's industrial capabilities. Join us in Belfast, where you can be part of a proud heritage and help shape the future of British industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and maritime sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Navantia UK and its projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how your skills can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Commercial Manager. We want to hear how you can tackle complex tenders and manage client accounts.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial management, especially within defence or shipbuilding sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Navantia UK. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience with tenders, bids, and contract management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Navantia UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial management, especially within the defence and maritime sectors. Familiarise yourself with key terms like DefCons and Single Source Pricing Regulations, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in managing complex tenders and contracts. Highlight how you've successfully navigated negotiations and maintained compliance with legal requirements.
✨Understand the Company
Research Navantia UK and its recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff. Understanding their mission and how they aim to strengthen Britain's defence capabilities will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you build and maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams. Share strategies you've used to ensure successful project delivery and how you handle any challenges that arise in stakeholder engagement.
