Commercial Contract Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a contract manager to oversee the full contract lifecycle. This key role involves negotiating and managing commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting business development efforts. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and experience within a commercial/contracts role.

Benefits

Up to 21% company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions of up to 14%

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial/contracts role, ideally within the defence sector.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation of commercial terms and conditions.
• Manage the full route to contract from bid submissions to final closeout.
• Ensure contracts meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Contract Negotiation

Contract Management

Compliance Oversight

Risk Management

Stakeholder Communication

Job description

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• Company Bonus: Up to 21% of base salary (based on company performance)
• Pension: Total contributions (employer + employee) of up to 14%
• Flexible Working: Open to applicants seeking flexible arrangements
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, plus enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave, and fertility-related support
• Facilities: Excellent site amenities including subsidised meals, free parking, and more

The Opportunity:

This is a key position within a critical business area, offering the chance to directly support the company's strategic goals and contribute to its continued success.

You will take ownership of the full contract lifecycle, from early-stage bidding through to negotiation, delivery, and final closeout of domestic commercial contracts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Negotiation: Lead the negotiation of commercial terms and conditions to align with business objectives and ensure compliance
• End-to-End Contracting: Manage the full route to contract, including involvement in bid submissions, cost generation, proposal writing, and contract drafting
• Contract Delivery: Support the successful delivery of contractual obligations—this includes managing amendments, assessing deliverables, and defining acceptance criteria
• Contract Management: Oversee contract performance through its lifecycle—handling renewals, amendments, and final closeout
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure contracts meet legal and regulatory requirements, including ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, and other defence-related standards
• Business Development: Play a key role in winning new work and securing future business
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate contractual risks by working collaboratively with internal teams
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the go-to person for contractual issues, supporting internal teams and liaising with external partners
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to senior leadership on contract progress, issues, and risks
• Dispute Resolution: Coordinate with legal and internal teams to resolve any contract disputes efficiently and professionally

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a commercial/contracts role, ideally within the defence sector
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and agreements
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach
• Familiarity with MoD contracting frameworks, including DEFCONs and QDCs, is highly desirable