Commercial Officer

Are you ready to dive into an exciting opportunity at SDA’s Headquarters in Bristol? Join our procurement and contract management teams to drive real-world impact in the UK’s submarine industrial base.

As a Commercial Officer, you’ll tackle high-profile contracts, collaborate with senior management, and have the opportunity to participate in work-streams across the whole organisation. Your focus will be on delivering maximum value with contract management activities, influence commercial strategy, and navigating changes with finesse.

It’s our people that make us great. Embrace our inclusive culture, where diversity fuels innovation, and together, we’ll achieve the extraordinary. If you’re seeking a role where your work makes a difference, this is it.

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

• Ensure all contracts adhere to procurement regulations and Government policy. Lead and/or assist in identification and collation of supplier data for SDA strategic and critical suppliers to inform supplier deep dives, supplier strategies and roadmaps
• Draft Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ), Invitation To Tender (ITT) and contract documentation in accordance with MOD policy and legislation
• Negotiate terms and pricing, place and manage contracts and contract amendments up to a maximum delegation of £2.5M in accordance with set guidelines and conditions outlined in the individual’s delegation letter and the MOD policy
• Lead or Support negotiation and contract placement above level of delegation when required and highlight novel and contentious issues to Senior Commercial Officer (SCO) to ensure satisfactory resolution
• Communicate in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders including suppliers and Subject Matter Experts
• Contribute to wider Commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required

Person specification

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
• The ability to manage staff where required, providing advice and support on development
• 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
• Working together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,800, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,396 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• 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 options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.