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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value bids in defence and maritime, shaping strategies and managing negotiations.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in naval shipbuilding with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the UK's defence sector, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive commercial management experience in defence or engineering sectors.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with exciting projects and leadership opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Company Description
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.
Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime
Bristol (Hybrid with occasional travel)
About Us
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.
As our business grows, we are looking for exceptional people to join us and shape the future of maritime defence in the UK.
The Role
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.
How to Apply
If you\’re ready to take on a leadership role in a fast-growing organisation that is central to the UK\’s naval future, we\’d love to hear from you.
Additional Information
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.
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Senior Commercial Lead - Defence & Maritime employer: Navantia UK
Contact Detail:
Navantia UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Lead - Defence & Maritime
✨Tip Number 1
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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Navantia UK and its projects thoroughly. Understand their values and recent developments in the defence sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, be ready to discuss your experience in commercial management and how it relates to the role. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in leading complex bids and negotiations.
✨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 Navantia UK and contributing to their mission in the defence and maritime sectors.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead - Defence & Maritime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commercial Lead role. Highlight your experience in commercial management and any relevant projects you've led, especially in defence or shipbuilding.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed bids or negotiated contracts, particularly those over £1bn, to demonstrate your impact.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your skills and experience shine through without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Navantia UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨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
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in commercial management and leading complex bids. Prepare specific examples that highlight your negotiation skills and financial acumen, especially in relation to high-value contracts.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Lead position. Think about how your skills align with managing commercial strategies and client relationships, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach these challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's future projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in this role. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
