Head of Commercial
// Role Summary
Lead commercial strategy for critical Ministry of Defence infrastructure projects, driving excellence in high-value construction and complex contract management within a secure environment.
// Key Responsibilities
- Shape national security through commercial leadership on major infrastructure programmes.
- Manage complex NEC4 contracts and high-value construction projects.
- Act as an escalation point for commercial issues and influence senior stakeholders.
- Develop and implement robust commercial strategies with a strong understanding of risk.
- Lead and develop commercial teams to maximise performance.
- Hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 3 days onsite in Plymouth.
// Role Specification
Head of Commercial
Join Babcock at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site and play a vital role in creating a safe and secure world as our Head of Commercial. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to national security by shaping commercial strategy on complex Ministry of Defence programmes that are critical to UK defence, engineering, and infrastructure.
The Role
As the Head of Commercial, you will spearhead the support for our Major Infrastructure Project (MIP) portfolio within the Major Nuclear Capital Programmes (MNCP) Commercial team. You will drive commercial excellence across high-value, multi-disciplined construction and infrastructure projects. This role involves acting as a trusted escalation point for complex commercial matters and influencing decision-making at the highest levels.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and delivery of multiple construction-focused contracts across major defence infrastructure programmes.
- Serve as an escalation point for complex or high-risk commercial issues, coordinating legal advice as needed.
- Develop and manage robust commercial strategies, including NEC4 contracts and pricing models, leveraging a strong understanding of risk.
- Cultivate positive relationships with suppliers, internal teams, and clients to effectively negotiate terms, scope, and pricing.
- Oversee complex contract administration, change control, evidence gathering, pre-tender estimates, cost planning, and subcontract reviews in line with commercial governance.
About You:
We are looking for candidates with comprehensive experience in the understanding and management of NEC4 contracts. You will have proven experience managing large, complex construction contracts and bids within a regulated environment. The ability to develop and maintain effective customer and supply chain relationships through collaboration is essential. You should be adept at working with other functions to develop and present robust commercial reports and possess the capability to lead and develop large commercial teams to maximise performance.
Qualifications:
- Degree-level qualification in Quantity Surveying, Business, Law, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
- Professional qualifications such as MRICS, World Commerce and Contracting (WCC), MICES, or MCIPS are desirable.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National and able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations.
- Employee share scheme and shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Special paid leave for reservists in the armed forces.
- Holiday Trading options.
- 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering.
- Excellent development opportunities and an employee assistance programme.
Working Arrangements:
This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week. Hybrid working arrangements are in place, requiring a minimum of 3 days onsite in Plymouth.
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation committed to building a future that lasts through meaningful careers and a respect for work-life balance. We are a disability confident committed employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are happy to discuss flexible working options.