SDA Senior Commercial Manager

Ministry Of Defence; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to provide leadership in procurement and contract management. The role involves managing complex sourcing strategies and leading professional teams in a high-stakes environment. Candidates should possess senior-level experience in contract management and stakeholder engagement, with opportunities for hybrid working.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Senior level experience managing Sourcing and/or Contract Management on complex projects.
• Experience leading and managing professional teams.
• Experience engaging with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide Commercial Expert level leadership within SDA.
• Advise on acquisition strategies for procurement.
• Lead the development and delivery of complex Invitations To Tender.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Contract Management

Education

CIPS Level 6/Chartered Status or Equivalent

Job description

Overview

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. It\u2019s a busy and exciting time here at the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and we\'re seeking Senior Commercial Managers to join our teams in HM Naval Bases in Clyde and Devonport. We\'re delivering the extraordinary for the defence of the UK and we\'re looking for individuals with a thirst for improvement, a drive for engaging others, and a keen eye for detail. Please note one post is available at each location.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will provide Commercial Expert level leadership within SDA; responsible for pre-sourcing analysis, contract sourcing, contract management, corporate activities (i.e. policy, training and supplier relations), sales and disposals. Lead complex portfolio(s) of contracts. Provide leadership of commercial colleagues and work collaboratively with other functions to deliver business requirements.
• Advise senior team on acquisition strategies for procurement of varying risk and complexity in accordance with procurement regulations and Government policy.
• Determine and enact strategies within own delegation limits.
• Manage major competitive or single source procurement, including the development of commercial models and approaches.
• Lead development and delivery of complex Invitations To Tender, negotiations and contracts requiring nonstandard/ bespoke conditions.
• Negotiate terms and pricing, place and manage contracts and contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £100M in accordance with set guidelines outlined in the individual's delegation letter and MOD policy.
• Conduct assurance and due diligence of Commercial activity within own area of responsibility by enforcing adherence to Commercial policy. Participate in Peer Reviews as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Senior level experience of managing Sourcing and/or Contract Management activities on a large scale on highly complex projects or programmes.
• Experience of leading and managing professional teams.
• Experience of engaging with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

Development and Additional Information

• CIPS Level 6/Chartered Status or Equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment. This will be funded and supported by SDA.
• Attend Government Commercial Organisation Assessment & Development Centre (Commercial Lead level) prior to Interview. Please note Assessment and Development Centre attendance is a mandated element of this recruitment campaign and all slots have been scheduled to take place on 24th November 2025. You will not need to sit this if you have already achieved a pass at CL level.
• 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.

Benefits and Salary

• Salary of £62,900, with £18,222 contributed towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (total package shown includes employer pension contribution).
• Additional benefits: 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%.
• Discover My Benefits: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
• Notes: This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances. The Department is reviewing all pay related allowances which could impact allowances associated with this post.

Security, Compliance and Recruitment

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements before appointment. See our vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard checks.
• The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours. You will not be eligible for this post if you have been dismissed for unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
• Due to UK immigration rules, the MOD will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa if the role is business critical. This role has not been assessed as business critical and is not open to sponsorship applicants.
• Successful candidates must declare any outside interests; some outside interests may require mitigation to manage conflicts of interest.

Application and Selection Process

We will assess you against behaviours during the selection process: Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, Working Together. Evidence of these behaviours is requested on the application form. Behaviour examples should relate to your own experiences. AI-generated content should not be used as sole basis for responses. Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.

Candidate Guidance

We strongly recommend tailoring your application to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills and Knowledge in line with our guidance. The Ministry of Defence currently requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests.