SDA Commercial Manager

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put our values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The primary delivery location for this position is Rosyth Dockyard.

Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Job description

Are you experienced in procurement and contract management, excited by the opportunity to shape and define the some of the biggest and complex defence programmes in the UK today? The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) are currently seeking an enthusiastic and driven Commercial Manager to join our team at the Rosyth Naval Dockyard, one of the cornerstones of the UK’s naval defence. Here you will enjoy a collaborative culture, excellent career development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to vital project missions supporting the Royal Navy.

Join us in delivering the UK Government’s commitment to safely, responsibly, and efficiently dismantle de-fuelled, nuclear-powered submarines. We are currently seeking a Commercial Manager for the Submarine Disposal Programme in Rosyth, and to provide Commercial support more broadly within the SDA.

In this role, you will become part of a high-performing team of six commercial professionals operating in a complex and high-impact environment. Working in close collaboration with technical, legal, project delivery, and environmental experts, you will help ensure that all radioactive waste is safely removed, enabling these submarines to be responsibly recycled.

As a Commercial Manager, you’ll tackle high-profile contracts, collaborate with senior management, and have the opportunity to participate in work-streams across the whole organisation. Your focus will be on delivering maximum value with contract management activities, influence commercial strategy, and navigating changes with finesse.

It’s our people that make us great. Embrace our inclusive culture, where diversity fuels innovation, and together, we’ll achieve the extraordinary. If you’re seeking a role where your work makes a difference, this is it.

What you’ll be doing:

• Accountable for determining the appropriate commercial strategy for project requirements within own delegation. Drafting the strategy plans, commercial management plans and facilitating/delivering it or making recommendations for action to Senior Leadership, ensuring all contracts adhere to Procurement Regulations and Government policy.
• Lead the management of a requirement or portfolio of requirements and of contract management of contracts of varying risk and complexity ensuring all parties are held accountable to meet their contracted obligations to ensure effective delivery of contract requirements.
• Develop and deliver Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), Invitation To Tender (ITT) and contract documentation ensuring adherence with MOD policy and legislation.
• Support supplier relationship management, identifying and collating supplier data for SDA strategic and critical suppliers to inform supplier deep dives, supplier strategies and roadmaps, and Supplier Impact Assessment (SIA) reports.
• Support the Identification & launch of new pan-MOD Category management categories and support Category Managers of MOD-wide initiatives
• Negotiate terms and pricing, place and manage contracts and contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with set guidelines outlined in the individual’s delegation letter and MOD policy.
• Support negotiation and contract placement above delegation when required and highlight novel and contentious issues to Senior Leadership to ensure satisfactory resolution.
• Communicate in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Senior Leadership, suppliers and Subject Matter Experts.
• Coach, lead, mentor and / or manage a team of commercial staff.
• Conduct assurance and due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes. Participate in Peer Reviews as required.
• Provide support and assistance to commercial enabling teams to assist delivery of SDA Business Improvement projects.
• Contribute to wider Commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by the SDA Recruitment Team. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [email removed]

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Previous experience of sourcing, delivering and managing contracts
• Experience of managing, leading and developing others
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent and ability to use IT systems and programmes.

If not already held, successful candidates will be supported to undertake the required training below:

• Evidence of CIPS level 4/or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment.
• Completion of the following three eLearning courses within 18 months of appointment: Procurement Reform eLearning certificate; Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) Foundation Level eLearning certificate; Sourcing Mechanics eLearning certificate self-certificate.
• Completion of 4 - day Single Source Regulations course unless previously completed in the last 12 months.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Tender and Bid Process - Practitioner
• Contract Management - Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,789 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
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