At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy on billion-pound defence programmes and negotiate with key clients.
- Company: Navantia UK, a pioneering force in British defence and maritime industry.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunity and diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the UK's naval capabilities and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence or maritime sectors and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions by creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities.
Ready to shape billion‑pound defence programmes?
Why this role stands out- Lead commercial strategy on £1bn+ bids
- Act as the key commercial interface with customers
- Influence bid strategy, pricing, and negotiations
- Play a critical role in the UK’s naval future
- Driving commercial strategy across major bids
- Leading high‑value negotiations with key clients
- Shaping pricing models, risk strategies, and governance
- Collaborating with business development, engineering, and supply chain teams
- Managing compliance (DEFCONs, SSPRs) and commercial risk
- Supporting contract delivery post‑award
- Proven experience in defence, maritime, or complex engineering sectors
- Strong track record leading major bids and contract negotiations
- Deep understanding of UK defence commercial frameworks
- Commercial leadership and stakeholder influence at senior level
- Strong financial and pricing expertise
Security clearance (or eligibility) required.
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. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
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.
Senior Commercial Manager – Defence & Maritime in Bristol employer: Navantia UK
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol that champions innovation and collaboration within the defence and maritime sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development while fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Join us to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK's naval capabilities, all while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager – Defence & Maritime in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and maritime sectors, especially those who work at Navantia UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Senior Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK defence commercial frameworks. We want to see that you understand the landscape and can navigate it confidently. Practice articulating your experience with major bids and negotiations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight examples where you've influenced stakeholders or led teams through complex negotiations. We love to see candidates who can demonstrate their impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible, so if you hit any snags, just reach out to us for help.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager – Defence & Maritime in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence and maritime sectors, and showcase your track record in leading major bids and negotiations. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your commercial strategy experience and how you've influenced bid strategies in the past. Let us know what excites you about working with us!
Showcase Your Financial Expertise:Since financial and pricing expertise is key for this role, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have. Discuss your understanding of pricing models and risk strategies, and how you've applied them in previous roles. We love numbers, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨Know Your Defence Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK defence commercial frameworks. Understanding the nuances of these frameworks will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're ready to hit the ground running in this role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of high-value negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies, outcomes, and how you influenced key stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the major bids they'll be looking at.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the significance of the Senior Commercial Manager role in shaping the UK's naval future. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their ambitions and how you can contribute to their billion-pound defence programmes.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams like business development, engineering, and supply chain. Discuss how effective collaboration has led to successful contract delivery in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
