DE&S Commercial Manager

We’re Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). We manage a vast range of projects to supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver essential defence programmes – and strive for what’s next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe, now and in the future.

Across our 12,500-strong organisation, we support all our people to be at their very best, fostering a family-friendly approach to flexible and hybrid working. After all, support is in our name.

As part of our Commercial function, you’ll join a diverse team of around 1,000 people who support the successful delivery of defence procurement programmes with real world impact. Equipping and supporting the UK’s armed forces, these programmes range from peacekeeping to disaster relief to humanitarian aid projects – and we’re proud to help deliver them while ensuring compliance and best value.

We are currently looking for Commercial Managers to provide leadership within Commercial teams in Boscombe Down. Our Commercial Manager roles include contract sourcing, contract management, sales and disposals. You will work collaboratively with other functions in the Project Delivery teams to provide leadership of a complex contract or portfolio of contracts, manage delivery of business and commercial outputs to deliver business requirements.

Please note some attendance to the stated site will be required and potential travel to alternative sites and locations.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Negotiating terms and pricing, placing and management of contracts and negotiating contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with the Ministry of Defence policy.
• Supporting the development of new Procurement Strategies through analysis of the markets for Defence Equipment and ‘learning from experience’ with other teams in DE&S and using DE&S acquisition tools to advertise defence procurements to future suppliers.
• Supplier performance management in accordance with Contract Management Plans.
• Due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes.
• Contributing to wider Commercial function and business improvement activities.
• Communicating in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Leading and managing a team of commercial officers and assistants.

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:

• Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply (CIPS) level 4/or equivalent within one year of appointment.
• MOD Practitioner Level Accreditation Panel assessment when agreed by line management.
• Leadership development and defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills and ensure on-going Continuing Professional Development.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Tender and Bid Process
• Contract Management
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and influencing 

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

We believe in creating an environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their best selves. So whether you’re looking for a next step, a fresh start, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of. If you need any additional support with your application, let us know.

Job contact :

• Name : Courtney Robinson- DE&S/SDA Lead Recruiter
• Email : Courtney.robinson190@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : tyler.mclaughlin100@mod.gov.uk