At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic partnerships and influence billion-pound programmes in naval infrastructure.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and security, at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: 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 complex contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
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 influence significant defence infrastructure projects while enjoying hybrid working arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, health consultations, and opportunities for professional development, all within a culture that values collaboration and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Nuclearinst, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Manager at Nuclearinst.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!