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.

You will be providing support and leadership to a small Commercial team managing a multitude of responsibilities within HMNB Portsmouth. As a Commercial Manager you will have the opportunity to lead and manage a range of commercial activities, including drafting contract terms & conditions, managing risk and evaluating risk opportunities, working closely with Senior Management, as well as a variety of stakeholders and supporting cross functional teams.

You will be tasked to deliver programme timescales, whilst managing timelines and ensuring they are met. You will also be responsible for drafting and creating multiple Tender Packs, issuing Invitation to Tender, and reviewing new and existing supplier proposals.

The primary duty station for this role will be HMNB Portsmouth, and in line with our smarter working policy, you will be required on site as agreed, and will enjoy significant flexible working options, however potential travel to alternative sites and locations may be required.

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.

We are not able to sponsor a visa for this position. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Civil Service recruitment: nationality rules – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development of new Procurement Strategies through analysis of the markets for Defence Equipment and LFE from other Teams in DE&S and using DE&S Acquisition Tools to advertise Defence Procurements to future Suppliers.
• Develop and deliver Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), Invitation To Tender (ITT) and Contract Documentation ensuring adherence with MOD policy and legislation.
• Negotiating terms and pricing, placing of contracts and negotiating contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £10M in accordance with the Ministry of Defence policy.
• Communicating in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Senior Leadership, suppliers and Subject Matter Experts.
• Leading/ managing staff, advising, coaching and developing Commercial Assistants and Commercial Officers .
• Conducting assurance and due diligence of commercial activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in commercial outcomes. Participating in Peer Reviews as required.
• Contributing to wider Commercial Function and DE&S/SDA business improvement.

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Relevant contract sourcing experience.
• 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:

• Establishing the Sourcing Strategy
• Tender & Bid Process
• Seeing the Big Picture
• 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 Lead Recruiter
• Email : Courtney.robinson190@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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