Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
Job DescriptionThe Commercial Management will be important role in supporting the management complex tenders/bids and overseeing key client accounts within the defence and maritime sectors.
Additionally, will have a significant role supporting the Supply Chain management function in the commercial and contract management.
Support strategic planning and finance, to help ensuring compliance with contractual, financial, and legal obligations.
To support the commercial elements of the bids ensure the delivery of mandated outcomes by the application of commercial best practice and management discipline.
Will be part of the bid management team
The Role
Bid Phase
- Be the prime commercial interface with the supply chain during the bid phase (Post Gate 2) in support of the Supply Chane Management Team.
- Will Support the Business Development function in the pre bid phase (Pre Gate 2).
- Collaborate in the setting of the commercial plan and organisation required to support the bid phase of the project and clearly identifying the task and the personnel required to deliver a successful bid phase.
- Provide effective bid commercial support to the Bid team, ensuring that Bid Managers/Procurement Managers of both delivery units are aligned to solution and actively supporting the bid phase.
- Contract & Commercial Management-main contracts: support the commercial negotiations with the customer, ensuring favourable terms and compliance with company policies and legal requirements
- Contract & Commercial Management-subcontracts: support supply chain in the commercial negotiations with the suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and compliance with company policies, flow down of main contract and legal requirements
- Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to resolve contract management issues
- Support the Supply Chain management function in all commercial aspects such as in the NDA, terms and conditions management
- Strategic Support: Assist the Commercial and Strategic Bids Director in developing and executing commercial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Financial Oversight: support the budgets, ensuring the profitability of defence bids.
- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks, including disputes, claims, and variations in support of the Risk Manager.
- Stakeholder Engagement: support the Business Development Leadership in Building and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Support the contract management of ongoing programmes/contracts in relevant contract changes.
- Proven experience in commercial management within Defence, Shipbuilding, or related sectors
- Excellent financial acumen and analytical capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial principles, and industry regulations.
- Preferably Knowledge of Defence contracting, DefCons and also experience of dealing with Single Source Pricing Regulations
- Managing experience with the ability to work in teams.
- 249 holiday hours (pro rata)
- Pension
- Life assurance
- Competitive base pay
- Opportunity to work on exciting projects
***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [email protected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Skills Required
- Proven experience in commercial management within defense, shipbuilding, or related sectors
- Excellent financial acumen and analytical capabilities
- Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial principles, and industry regulations
- Knowledge of defense contracting, DefCons, and Single Source Pricing Regulations
- Experience managing teams and working collaboratively
- Completion of BPSS security clearance during onboarding
What We Do
Navantia UK is a maritime engineering and defence company that supports the UK's defence, security, and energy ambitions. As a subsidiary of the Spanish state-owned Navantia SA, it focuses on developing sovereign defence capabilities, modernising industrial facilities, and bolstering energy security. The company leverages global expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair, combining it with centuries of UK industrial heritage to strengthen Britain's maritime and industrial capabilities.
