At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value commercial negotiations and develop strategic bid plans in defence and maritime.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in naval shipbuilding with over 300 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with potential for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's defence sector with exciting, high-stakes projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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 country.
At Navantia UK, we design, build, and support some of the most complex and ambitious defence and maritime projects in the world. From shipbuilding and naval support to advanced engineering, our teams deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the UK’s defence and industrial capabilities.
We are seeking a Senior Commercial Lead to play a central role in shaping and delivering major defence and shipbuilding bids. This is a high-impact position, where you’ll manage commercial strategy on bids worth over £1bn, support key client accounts, and ensure compliance with contractual, financial, and legal obligations. You’ll be the lead commercial interface with customers during the bid phase, working closely with business development, engineering, supply chain, and production teams. From negotiation and risk management through to setting pricing strategies, you will provide the commercial leadership needed to secure and deliver strategic programmes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead commercial negotiations on high-value, strategic defence and maritime bids.
- Develop and implement bid strategies, pricing models, and commercial plans.
- Partner with business development to shape win themes and competitive positioning.
- Oversee commercial risk management, governance, and compliance (including DEFCONs and Single Source Pricing Regulations).
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and senior stakeholders across the business.
- Support ongoing programme contract management and changes as required.
- Provide leadership to a small team, with scope to grow as the business develops.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in commercial management, ideally within defence, shipbuilding, or related engineering sectors.
- Strong track record leading complex bids and negotiating major contracts.
- In-depth knowledge of UK defence contracting, regulations, and governance.
- Strong financial acumen with experience shaping pricing strategies for large-scale bids.
- Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field; postgraduate or professional qualifications (e.g. ICM, RICS) are desirable.
- Security clearance, or eligibility to obtain it, will be required.
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the UK’s defence sector, taking on responsibility for some of the most exciting and strategically important projects in the country. You’ll join a growing, collaborative team, with the chance to shape both our future success and your own career.
Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime in Bristol employer: Navantia Group
At Navantia UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the defence and maritime sectors. Our Bristol location provides a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact projects while benefiting from hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth through leadership opportunities and professional development. Join us to be part of a team that not only supports the UK's industrial capabilities but also invests in your career progression and personal success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence and maritime sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in commercial management and complex bids. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led negotiations and shaped pricing strategies.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Navantia UK and its projects. Understand their recent acquisitions and how they fit into the broader defence landscape. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team at Navantia UK, where we’re all about innovation and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Lead role. Highlight your experience in commercial management and any relevant projects you've led, especially in defence or shipbuilding. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your negotiation and leadership skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge:We love candidates who know their stuff! Make sure to showcase your understanding of UK defence contracting and regulations in your application. This will show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re also well-prepared for it.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the defence and maritime sectors. Understand the key players, recent developments, and how Navantia UK fits into the bigger picture. This will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in commercial management and leading complex bids. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Senior Commercial Lead. Be ready to discuss how you would approach commercial negotiations, risk management, and pricing strategies. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re keen on this specific role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and company culture. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
