National Armaments Digital & Data - Senior Commercial Manager - Enterprise Space Category (ESC)

Job summary

We are looking for talented and hard-working individuals with demonstrable commercial experience or transferable skills, to join us in providing a full procurement service for digital technology capability across Defence.

National Armaments Digital & Data (NA-D&D) teams operate across Defence to integrate digital and data activity, set standards, deliver common services and platforms, and develop the people and skills required for a digitally integrated, warfighting-capable force.

In support of this, NA-D&D Commercial is the core team responsible for delivering outstanding outcomes and value for Defence across its exploitation of digital and information technologies, through our oversight and management of all third- party IT spend for Defence.

We are responsible for a large portfolio of complex contracts worth £4.7bn a year, through more than 300 suppliers. We have implemented Enterprise Category Management and operate across five categories – Networks, Hardware and Services, Space, Software and Professional Services – engaging with suppliers of all sizes and specialisms across the Defence landscape.

We are committed to developing our staff, providing opportunities to develop and grow within an inclusive and supportive environment. You will work within a highly capable, diverse team who will support you to develop your professional and personal skills, knowledge, and experience, including a fully funded professional qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

Job description

The Enterprise Space Category (ESC) delivers commercial activity across a diverse and strategically important portfolio, ranging from multi-£billion SKYNET satellite procurements and future military satellite communications services, to cross-government collaboration on space-based capabilities and the procurement of individual LEO SATCOM terminals.

ESC brings together cross-MOD and cross-Government stakeholders, including National Armaments Materiel, Digital & Data and Innovation; Space Command; Air Command; UK Space Agency; DSIT; and the Government Commercial Agency, to improve commercial coherence, strengthen procurement strategies and deliver better value for money across the space enterprise.

Annual spend across the Category is approximately £450m, of which circa £418m is MOD spend.

The role will provide commercial support to the SKYNET Integrated Enterprise Solution (SKIES) which is a transformation project developing options for the future delivery model for the SKYNET Programme. SKYNET is a family of Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) systems operated for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), providing strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and Allies.

The ESC is responsible for placing and managing the portfolio of SKYNET Contracts that support MOD satellite communications capabilities, including satellites, ground infrastructure, terminals, modems, bandwidth and associated support services. This is an exciting time to join the ESC as the team shapes the next phase of SKYNET delivery and embeds Category Management principles across wider Government space procurement.

The role will cover the full range of commercial activities required to deliver SKIES and support the transition towards the future operational service provision. This includes:

• Undertaking end-to-end procurement activity, from developing market insight and understanding supplier capability, through to shaping requirements, commercial models, procurement strategies and commercial strategies for SKIES and wider SKYNET requirements;
• Planning and running compliant competitions, including developing sourcing approaches, drafting Invitation to Negotiate documentation, preparing evaluation criteria and supporting tender evaluation, moderation, negotiation and award decisions;
• Leading and supporting competitive and single-source procurements for complex military satellite communications requirements, including future operational service contracts and related professional services support;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the pan-government Enterprise Space Category Strategy, ensuring procurement decisions are informed by category insight, stakeholder priorities and opportunities to improve value for money across Government space activity;
• Managing contracts once awarded, including supplier and stakeholder relationships, performance management, contract change, risk, benefits tracking, service continuity and transition or exit activity where required; and
• Where applicable, undertaking line management responsibilities and supporting the development of commercial capability within the ESC Category team.

In this role you will contribute to delivering commercial excellence for the Enterprise Space Category (ESC) through, analysing key supply markets to understand the characteristics of new markets, and inform key procurement decisions. You will work on all stages of the procurement process, sourcing, mobilising contracts, managing the delivery and performance of the contract, supplier relationship management (SRM), carrying out contract changes, managing risk within the contract and managing contract transition and exit. The postholder is likely to be responsible for a portfolio of contracts for both medium to high value and complexity.

Typical activities include (but are not limited to):

Pre-market Engagement

• Providing Commercial expertise and advice to the SKYNET Military SATCOM Project Delivery Team to develop Procurement and Commercial Strategies for the procurement of Military SATCOM services from the Space eco-system in accordance with the Enterprise Space Category (ESC) Category Strategy.
• Proactive market insight which includes a coordinated monitoring of potential and existing suppliers in a strategic and dynamic way

Sourcing

• Define and deliver Procurement processes in line with Public Sector Procurement Regulations and MOD Commercial Policy using assured procurement tools and systems.
• Selecting appropriate suppliers using relevant evaluation criteria and responsible for ensuring value for money for the duration of supplier engagement
• Negotiating Space Contract Terms and Conditions addressing risk and liabilities and appropriate pricing mechanisms, which deliver immediate and ongoing financial and non-financial benefits.
• Hold formal delegated powers of up to £10M.

Contract Management

• Identification, definition and tracking of financial and non-financial benefits and savings
• Ongoing proactive management of key stakeholder and supplier relationships
• Effective management of full life cycle of the contracts including performance management, managing changes and ensuring ongoing value and service quality standards are delivered
• Commercial risk identification, mitigation and management

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week, full time equivalent. There may be opportunities for part time candidates if a job share partnership can be established, subject to full time hours being achievable. Offers made to candidates below 37 hours per week (FTE) will be subject to business need and at NA-D&D Commercial's sole discretion.

As part of flexible resourcing, reserve candidates may be offered alternative roles within NA-D&D Commercial teams, although key responsibilities will remain the same.

Person specification

We are looking for a person who demonstrates:

• Significant experience of working in a commercial role undertaking large sourcing projects, and high value contract negotiation for complex contracts
• Experience in managing complex medium and high value contracts
• Experience of Category Management
• Practical experience in utilising market insight to aid sourcing and contract management
• Robust practical experience of negotiating commercial and contractual terms and conditions, including pricing and discounts
• Practical experience and expertise in Contract management, including managing contracts from contract award to contract closeout and exit activities
• Practical experience and expertise in Supplier Relationship management
• Hold Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply CIPS Level 4, or be willing to achieve this qualification by commencing study once in post. This will be fully funded and supported by the MOD.

We are looking for a person who is:

• Collaborative individual with a positive attitude
• Effective communicator, able to clearly articulate messages adapted to the needs of the audience
• Motivates and inspires and has the confidence of the team and their peers
• Builds and maintains a working culture of mutual trust and inclusion. Works well within a cohesive team.
• Clear decision maker and takes accountability for decisions made
• Effective at prioritisation and managing workload and time efficiently
• Proactive management of team, taking account of views and needs
• Competent and confident in establishing and maintaining professional relationships
• Hold self and others to account

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• People Standards for the Profession - Understanding Needs and Sourcing Options - Associate Commercial Lead
• People Standards for the Profession - Contract and Supplier Management - Associate Commercial Lead

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Hybrid working options including some working from home where appropriate, although we expect the role to require office working on 4 days per week
• Commercial Market Skills Allowance of £1500 per annum, payable to staff on completion of CIPS Level 4 and mandatory commercial e-learning courses.
• Fully funded training for professional qualifications with Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), a global membership organisation
• MOD Corsham has on site parking, staff restaurant, coffee shops, sports facilities including fully equipped 24/7 gym for a fraction of the cost of a commercial gym. Classes run daily by fully trained PT instructors.
• MOD Corsham is a modern building surrounded by countryside, perfect for lunchtimes walks.

Please note:

• The post does not offer relocation expenses.
• External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
• Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
• Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
• Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Interviews will be held from week commencing October 12th 2026 (subject to change)

Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in both your CV and suitability statement. Please complete the CV section setting out your career history, including key responsibilities and achievements. You must also complete a suitability statement (of no more than 1250 words). This is your opportunity to provide us with additional information that highlights relevant achievements and experience, and the required skills and Behaviours listed in this advertisement that make you suitable for the role.

Note: you will NOT be able to attach your CV as a separate document.

At interview stage:

You will have the opportunity to provide further detail supporting your application, specifically relating to the Skills (People Standards for the Profession - Associate Commercial Lead) and Behaviours (CS Behaviours - Level 3).

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

During the interview stage, candidates will be assessed against the following Behaviours and technical skills:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Understanding Needs & Sourcing Options
  • Uses pre-market engagement to inform the requirement and determine the most effective route to market.
  • Influences customer requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose.
  • Understands end to end procurement life cycle and tools required to deliver effective outcomes.
  • Understands the contract management requirements and considers these in the sourcing process to ensure fit for purpose contracts are implemented.
  • Competent in leading negotiation of pricing and contract terms for high value and complex deals.
  • Able to work with procurement policies and processes to ensure compliant and time efficient procurement decisions.
  • Understands and applies Category Management principles, building into procurement decisions at the outset.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with Stakeholders throughout the process
• Contract & Supplier Management
  • Understands and is able to apply and advise others on contract management processes.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of terms and conditions of the contract, including its deliverables and works with the supplier to establish a plan for delivering them.
  • Effectively manages contract and supplier risks implementing mitigation and resolution plans.
  • Effectively manages contract change throughout the life of the contract.
  • Ensures ongoing value for money throughout the life of the contract.
  • Develops opportunities to incentivise contract delivery and continuous performance improvement.
  • Effective contract management including re-tendering, exit and transition.
  • Understands the principles of supplier and performance management to optimise outcomes.
  • Evaluates and monitors the performance of suppliers against the contract terms using management information eg KPIs, taking remedial action as necessary.
  • Manages and maintains good supplier relationships.
  • Manage and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
  • Effectively manage dispute resolution.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. 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.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Please read this document prior to completing your application.

Please note: internal candidates must include their staff number when prompted during the application process.

Should you have any queries relating to the vacancy information or sift and interview process, please contact the recruiting line manager using the contact details listed on the vacancy. Please do not direct vacancy related queries to the recruitment team as they will be unable to advise.

FURTHER INFORMATION

CV’s

Should the selection process require a CV, you will be prompted to complete the required criteria during the application process. CV’s sent directly to the recruiting line manager will be deleted immediately to maintain anonymity.

Civil Servants (all grades)

Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.

Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014.

Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

Please see link below to Civil Service Recruitment Principles http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/201…

Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-…

Non Civil Servants

All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period effective from the employment start date.

COMPLAINTS

Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS does not play any part in the selection and interview process itself.

Therefore, if you wish to discuss your feedback, or you are dissatisfied with your markings, you should in the first instance raise this with the Recruiting Line Manager of the vacancy.

If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint. by writing to DBS at the following address:

Defence Business Services

Scanning Hub

Room 6124

Tomlinson House

Norcross Lane

Blackpool

FY5 3WP

FOR EXTERNAL VACANCIES If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address:

Civil Service commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk

Cabinet Office Fraud Checks

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : UKStratComDD-CM-COO-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk Lesley Kelson / Tracy Magner
• Email : UKStratComDD-CM-COO-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

NA Digital and Data Commercial Candidate Pack 2026 Opens in new window (docx, 2482kB)GCF People Standards for the Profession Version 3.0 Opens in new window (pdf, 490kB)Defence Civil Servant Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)