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 out 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.

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 small commercial team at HMNB Clyde.
His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (HMNB Clyde) is home to the United Kingdom’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, Astute Class Attack Submarines, First Mine Counter Measure Squadron and 43 Cdo Royal Marines. It is an operational support and maintenance base, and comprises both Faslane and Coulport sites. HMNB Clyde’s primary purpose is to provide engineering and logistical support to the Royal Navy in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD). This is achieved by ensuring at least one Vanguard Class submarine is on patrol at sea every day of the year.
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. Official Sensitive
• Contribute to wider Commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required.

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.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

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

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

EXPERIENCE

• CV-Candidates will be required to provide details to include job history and qualification details.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

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. Official Sensitive
• Contribute to wider Commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required