Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager

Reed; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking an Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager to drive commercial performance, secure opportunities and oversee contract governance from Sittingbourne. You will maximise contract revenue, manage tenders, and ensure compliance across the business.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a proven track record in contracts, bids and compliance documentation within a growing team.

Qualifications

• Commercial contracts experience and governance demonstrated.
• Proven ability to manage bids, tenders and related documentation.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Attention to detail in contract review and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Manage full contract lifecycle from pre-qualification to award and delivery.
• Prepare and review PQQs, tenders, RFQs and bid submissions.
• Maintain records of contracts, variations and compliance documents.
• Support ISO and audit activities and ensure regulatory adherence.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Contract/bid management

Compliance documentation

Job description

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Contract Type: Full-time permanent
Reporting To: Head of Finance & Commercial

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager to support the business in driving commercial performance, securing new opportunities, and ensuring robust contract governance. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximising contract revenue, managing tender submissions, maintaining compliance standards, and overseeing document control processes.

This position requires a commercially astute professional with strong negotiation skills, excellent attention to detail, and a proven track record of managing contracts, bids, and compliance documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Management

• Identify opportunities to maximise revenue and contract profitability.
• Lead commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Review and manage contractual terms to minimise risk and maximise commercial outcomes.
• Support business growth through the development of commercial strategies and frameworks.
• Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Contracts Management

• Manage the full contract lifecycle from pre-qualification through to award and delivery.
• Prepare, review, and submit PQQs, tenders, RFQs, and bid documentation.
• Ensure contractual obligations are understood and adhered to across the business.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, variations, renewals, and commercial agreements.
• Develop strong client relationships to support contract retention and business development activities.

Document Control & Compliance

• Manage document control systems and ensure all documentation is maintained to the required standards.
• Support external and internal audit activities.
• Maintain and improve ISO management systems and compliance processes.
• Produce high-quality bid submissions, policies, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all records are controlled, updated, and accessible in line with company and regulatory requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience:

Commercial Knowledge & Negotiation

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and deliver revenue opportunities.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial contracts and agreements.
• Ability to balance risk, compliance, and profitability objectives.

Contracts Management

• Significant experience managing contracts within a commercial environment.
• Demonstrable experience completing PQQs, tenders, framework submissions, and bid responses.
• Strong understanding of contractual terms, commercial governance, and performance management.

Document Control & Compliance

• Experience managing document control systems and business-critical documentation.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and audit processes.
• Proven bid-writing experience with strong written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and document accuracy.

Desirable

• Experience within construction, engineering, manufacturing, facilities management, or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working with quality management systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role would suit a commercially driven professional who combines strong negotiation skills with extensive contract management and compliance experience, and who can contribute immediately within a growing business environment.