Head of Commercial

Head of Commercial

Full-Time 90000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SEA Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic commercial team and oversee contract performance in a vital industry.
  • Company: Join SEA, a leader in advanced solutions for global safety and efficiency.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a close-knit team dedicated to innovation and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by protecting what matters while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Proven senior-level experience in defence/security with strong contract management skills.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 95000 £ per year.

Engineered to Protect, that’s our promise, we protect what matters - our nations, our waters, our land, our cities, our people, our environment, our world. The Head of Commercial is responsible for leadership, oversight, and performance of SEA's team of commercial professionals, and commercial activities across the full lifecycle of SEA's contracts. The role reports to the Finance & Commercial Director. Head of Commercial could be based at any of our sites in Barnstaple, Bristol or Beckington. This role allows for flexible working alongside being at one of our sites 2-3 days a week. The salary for this role is up to £95k, depending on experience.

What you'll be doing:

  • Understanding and advising on the commercial, contractual, and risk structures and ensuring that all obligations are understood and implemented by project teams.
  • Leading the commercial team, setting and demonstrating the standard of excellence required and ensuring adherence to these standards.
  • Line managing the team, delivering actions and outcomes.
  • Developing commercially effective responses to customer requirements, managing negotiations, amendments and variations to contract documentation, ensuring that risks are identified and understood.

About our company:

At SEA, we develop and deliver advanced solutions to make our world safer, cleaner and more efficient. We provide state-of-the-art applications for naval ship and fleet protection, and undersea surveillance systems. In-service across the globe, our systems deliver a rapid response to threats and system effectiveness and interoperation. Our systems support an ever-growing number of navies across the world, and we continue to bolster our already specialist, on-the-ground knowledge of key overseas markets.

What we offer:

  • Work life balance
  • Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
  • 25 days’ annual leave, plus buy and sell
  • Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual
  • Half day Fridays
  • Reservists in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave
  • Family & wellbeing
  • Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program
  • All Staff Bonus
  • Group Pension Plan of up to 7% employer contribution
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Wellbeing Centre
  • Sports & Social activities
  • Employee Discounts portal - online and in-store discounts, travel savings
  • Life assurance policy
  • Publication and recruitment bonus rewards
  • Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning
  • Facilities & resources
  • Electric vehicle charging points at all sites
  • Private seated lunch areas
  • Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages
  • Onsite showers and toiletries provision
  • Free onsite parking

The skills you need:

  • Extensive and proven senior-level commercial experience within the defence/security market with a track record of working on contracts up to £25m in value.
  • Thorough understanding of UK Government and UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) planning, procurement and tendering.
  • Relevant professional qualifications and/or a degree in a relevant discipline are advantageous.

Join us and be part of something smaller - with 500 people in the UK and Canada - doing something bigger: protecting what matters. If you’d like to know more, please give Dave from our Talent Acquisition Team a call on 03330 0414172. Or reach out to us on talentacquisition@sea.co.uk.

Head of Commercial employer: SEA Ltd

At SEA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and flexibility. With generous benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, extensive training opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, our team members thrive in an environment that values their contributions while making a meaningful impact on global safety and security. Join us in Barnstaple, Bristol, or Beckington, and be part of a dedicated team committed to protecting what matters most.

SEA Ltd

Contact Details:

SEA Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and security sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or even future bosses. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching SEA's projects and values. Show us that you understand our mission to protect what matters. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with our goals and the specific challenges we face.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Be proactive and reach out directly through our website. Express your interest in the Head of Commercial role and share how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing enthusiasm!

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you on our radar. Mention something specific from the interview to remind us why you’re a great fit for the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial

Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Contract Management
Risk Management
Negotiation Skills
Team Management
Understanding of UK Government Procurement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your senior-level commercial experience, especially in the defence/security market, and show how your skills align with our mission to protect what matters.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams and set standards of excellence in previous roles. This is key for us as you'll be managing a team of commercial professionals.

Understand Our Values:Familiarise yourself with SEA's core values and mission. In your application, reflect on how your personal values align with ours, especially around innovation and problem-solving. We love out-of-the-box thinkers!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at SEA Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the defence and security market, especially regarding contracts up to £25m. Brush up on UK Government and MOD procurement processes, as this knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.

Show Leadership Skills

As the Head of Commercial, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've set standards of excellence and how you ensured adherence to them.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle commercial negotiations and risk management. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to develop commercially effective responses or manage contract amendments, and be ready to share those stories.

Emphasise Flexibility and Innovation

SEA values out-of-the-box thinking and flexibility. Be ready to discuss how you've approached challenges creatively in previous roles. Share examples of how you've fostered innovation within your teams or projects, aligning with SEA's mission to protect what matters.