At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic partnerships and influence billion-pound programmes in naval infrastructure.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and security, with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working arrangements and excellent career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on the future of the Royal Navy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large contracts, strong negotiation skills, and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 61474 - 61474 € per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £61,474 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Drive Strategic Partnerships and Shape the Future of Naval Infrastructure
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Commercial Manager at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Commercial Manager, you’ll have a chance to influence billion-pound programmes, work with senior stakeholders, and make a tangible impact on the future of the Royal Navy, all while advancing your career in a dynamic, high-profile environment. Day-to-day, you’ll provide specialist commercial support to some of the UK’s most significant defence infrastructure projects. You’ll be part of a team that ensures contractual compliance, manages risk, and negotiates agreements that underpin national security.
- Providing commercial expertise and governance for tenders, contract reviews, and risk management
- Negotiating NEC4 terms and scope with confidence to secure best outcomes
- Overseeing production of change orders for Qualifying Defence Contracts (QDCs) and gathering robust AAR evidence
- Acting as an escalation point for high-risk commercial issues and advising on NEC4 terms and conditions
- Leading subcontract tender compilation, negotiation, and claim reviews
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements.
Essential experience of the Commercial Manager
- Significant experience managing large, complex construction contracts and bids in a regulated environment
- Proven ability to develop strong customer relationships and negotiate independently
- In-depth knowledge of NEC4 ECC and PSC terms
- Leadership experience with the ability to develop and mentor a team
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
Qualifications for the Commercial Manager
- Degree-level qualification in Business, Law, MRICS, MCIOB or similar, or equivalent experience
- World Commerce and Contracting (WCC) or MCIPS qualifications highly desirable
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Closing date: 03/02/2026
Commercial Manager employer: Nuclearinst
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site in Plymouth, where you can significantly influence the future of naval infrastructure. With generous benefits, including a matched contribution pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster a culture of support and growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Babcock and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around NEC4 terms and managing complex contracts.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of negotiating, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with large construction contracts and NEC4 terms, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in negotiation and relationship building.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our mission at Babcock. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications! If you have a degree in Business or Law, or any relevant certifications like MRICS or MCIPS, make sure they stand out. This will help us see your commitment to the field.
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 and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your NEC4 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC4 terms and conditions. Being able to discuss these confidently during the interview will show that you're not just familiar with the framework, but that you can also negotiate effectively and secure the best outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've developed strong relationships with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to influence and communicate effectively will demonstrate that you can handle the high-profile environment at Babcock.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Expertise
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've managed risk in complex construction contracts. This will illustrate your capability to provide specialist commercial support and ensure contractual compliance, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle high-risk commercial issues or negotiate change orders. Practising your responses to these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills clearly during the interview.