Job Title: Head of Commercial – Fleet Time
Location: Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
Shape the Future of Defence and Engineering
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Head of Commercial at our Clyde site, near Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute.
The role
As Head of Commercial, you’ll lead the commercial strategy for our Fleet Time operations, supporting the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence. This is a pivotal role where your expertise will ensure the successful delivery of high-value contracts, strengthen customer relationships, and influence decisions that safeguard national security. It’s an opportunity to make a tangible impact while advancing your career in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.
Day-to-day, you’ll have the following responsibilities:
1. Overseeing delivery of a high-value single-source contract to the UK Ministry of Defence
2. Providing governance and guidance on complex commercial issues
3. Acting as an escalation point for high-risk matters and coordinating responses with legal teams
4. Negotiating price, terms, and scope with customers to achieve positive outcomes
5. Collaborating with internal teams (finance, supply chain, technical) to develop commercial solutions.
You’ll be working full-time, 37 hours per week. This role is a hybrid role with 2-3 days per week based onsite at Clyde. Occasional travel to other sites may also be required.
Essential experience of the Head of Commercial – Fleet Time:
6. Proven experience managing large, complex contracts and bids in regulated or government environments
7. Strong negotiation skills and ability to build effective customer relationships
8. Leadership experience managing and developing commercial teams
9. Expertise in commercial governance and oversight for complex projects
10. Knowledge of Single Source Contracting Regulations within a defence context.
Qualifications for the Head of Commercial – Fleet Time:
11. Degree-level education in Business, Law, or equivalent experience.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at