Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime
Senior Commercial Lead – Defence & Maritime
Bristol (Hybrid with occasional travel)
About Us
At Navantia UK, we design, build, and support some of the most complex and ambitious defence and maritime projects in the world. From shipbuilding and naval support to advanced engineering, our teams deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the UK’s defence and industrial capabilities.
As our business grows, we are looking for exceptional people to join us and shape the future of maritime defence in the UK.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Commercial Lead to play a central role in shaping and delivering major defence and shipbuilding bids. This is a high-impact position, where you’ll manage commercial strategy on bids worth over £1bn, support key client accounts, and ensure compliance with contractual, financial, and legal obligations.
You’ll be the lead commercial interface with customers during the bid phase, working closely with business development, engineering, supply chain, and production teams. From negotiation and risk management through to setting pricing strategies, you will provide the commercial leadership needed to secure and deliver strategic programmes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead commercial negotiations on high-value, strategic defence and maritime bids.
- Develop and implement bid strategies, pricing models, and commercial plans.
- Partner with business development to shape win themes and competitive positioning.
- Oversee commercial risk management, governance, and compliance (including DEFCONs and Single Source Pricing Regulations).
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and senior stakeholders across the business.
- Support ongoing programme contract management and changes as required.
- Provide leadership to a small team, with scope to grow as the business develops.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in commercial management, ideally within defence, shipbuilding, or related engineering sectors.
- Strong track record leading complex bids and negotiating major contracts.
- In-depth knowledge of UK defence contracting, regulations, and governance.
- Strong financial acumen with experience shaping pricing strategies for large-scale bids.
- Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field; postgraduate or professional qualifications (e.g. ICM, RICS) are desirable.
- Security clearance, or eligibility to obtain it, will be required.
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the UK’s defence sector, taking on responsibility for some of the most exciting and strategically important projects in the country. You’ll join a growing, collaborative team, with the chance to shape both our future success and your own career.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take on a leadership role in a fast-growing organisation that is central to the UK’s naval future, we’d love to hear from you.
Additional Information
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.