Senior Commercial Manager – Defence & Maritime

Navantia UK; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Navantia UK is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to lead commercial strategy across major defence and maritime bids located in Bristol. This hybrid role involves leading negotiations and shaping pricing models for high-value contracts.

The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in the defence sector and have a strong track record of managing complex negotiations. Join us to play a critical role in influencing major bids and shaping the future of the UK's naval capabilities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in defence, maritime, or complex engineering sectors.
• Strong track record leading major bids and contract negotiations.
• Deep understanding of UK defence commercial frameworks.
• Commercial leadership and stakeholder influence at senior level.
• Strong financial and pricing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Driving commercial strategy across major bids.
• Leading high-value negotiations with key clients.
• Shaping pricing models, risk strategies, and governance.
• Collaborating with business development, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Managing compliance and commercial risk.
• Supporting contract delivery post-award.

Skills

Experience in defence, maritime, or complex engineering sectors

Leading major bids and contract negotiations

Understanding of UK defence commercial frameworks

Commercial leadership and stakeholder influence

Financial and pricing expertise

Job description

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions by creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities.

Senior Commercial Manager – Defence & Maritime

Bristol (Hybrid with occasional travel)

Ready to shape billion‑pound defence programmes?

Why this role stands out

• Lead commercial strategy on £1bn+ bids
• Act as the key commercial interface with customers
• Influence bid strategy, pricing, and negotiations
• Play a critical role in the UK’s naval future

What you’ll be doing

• Driving commercial strategy across major bids
• Leading high‑value negotiations with key clients
• Shaping pricing models, risk strategies, and governance
• Collaborating with business development, engineering, and supply chain teams
• Managing compliance (DEFCONs, SSPRs) and commercial risk
• Supporting contract delivery post‑award

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in defence, maritime, or complex engineering sectors
• Strong track record leading major bids and contract negotiations
• Deep understanding of UK defence commercial frameworks
• Commercial leadership and stakeholder influence at senior level
• Strong financial and pricing expertise

Security clearance (or eligibility) required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, focuses 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 online please contact us at [e-mail] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.