The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UKs nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UKs continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence.

Here youll find a community to belong to whether thats alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and perspectives, together well achieve the extraordinary.

Discover more about our work:

We offer 25+ days holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 28.97%, to help make work for you.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A sole UK national refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. Were unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role youve been recruited for. If it isnt obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isnt obtained within 12 months.

Are you experienced in contract management and excited by the opportunity to shape and define some of the UK's most significant and complex defence programmes? If so, the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) are currently seeking enthusiastic and driven commercial managers to join our team in Barrow-in-Furness.

You will join our submarine acquisition programme in Barrow. This team is responsible for the delivery and future in-service support of the Dreadnought submarine programme, the Astute Class programme, and the development of a future class of manned nuclear-powered submarines. Additionally, they manage the strategic relationship between the SDA and its primary supplier, ensuring coherence across SDA contracts and overseeing the supplier development plan.

Want to hear what one of the current team thinks about working in Commercial SDA?

Ive been a commercial professional for 20+ years. Recently joining the SDA has reignited my passion for commercial work. This gives me high levels of motivation, engagement, and satisfaction with my daily work. Moving to the SDA has been a great choice for my career, professional growth, and mindset.

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required 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 youll be doing

• 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 and using acquisition tools to advertise defence procurements to future suppliers
• Supplier performance management in accordance with Contract Management Plans
• Conduct assurance and 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 in developing and implementing procurement strategies
• 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:

• CIPS Level 4 or Equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment. This will be funded and supported by the SDA
• Leadership, development and defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills, achieve a commercial practitioner licence 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 & Bid Process - Practitioner
• Contract Management - Practitioner
• Communicating & Influencing CSBC 3
• Making Effective Decisions CSBC 3

• 25 days annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the Kings birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• 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 youre 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 youll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

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Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: http://bit.ly/SDA--Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Job contact :

• Name : Michael Ponsford- SDA Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]