Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking an Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager in Kent. The role is office-based with hybrid flexibility and occasional UK travel, reporting to drive commercial performance and manage contracts and tenders.

You will lead commercial negotiations, oversee contract lifecycle, ensure compliance with ISO standards, and maintain documentation across governance processes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Commercial astuteness with strong negotiation skills.
• Extensive experience in contract management across full lifecycle.
• Experience preparing PQQs, tenders, RFQs and bid documentation.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and audit processes.
• Excellent attention to detail in documentation and records.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Management: identify revenue opportunities, lead negotiations, review terms to minimise risk, develop commercial strategies, monitor performance.
• Contracts Management: manage full lifecycle from pre-qualification to award and delivery; prepare submissions; ensure obligations understood and adhered to; maintain contract records.
• Document Control & Compliance: manage document control systems; support audits; maintain ISO compliance; produce bid submissions and policies; ensure records are controlled and accessible.

Skills

Commercial negotiations

Contract management

Document control

Compliance

Job description

Assistant Commercial & Contracts Manager

Location: Kent (Office based with hybrid flexibility and occasional UK travel)
Contract Type: Full Time

Overview

Our client is a well-established organisation operating within a technical and project-led environment. They are seeking an experienced Assistant Commercial / Contracts Manager to drive commercial performance, mitigate risk, and support business growth through effective contract management, tender support, compliance oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

This role requires a commercially astute professional with strong negotiation skills, extensive contract management experience, and a proven ability to manage documentation, compliance, and governance processes within a fast-paced business.

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.