Commercial Contract Manager

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector seeks a professional to manage the full contract lifecycle, from bidding to final closeout. You will negotiate terms, ensure compliance, and support business development efforts. Ideal candidates will have experience in complex contracts and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Company Bonus: Up to 21% of base salary

Pension: Total contributions of up to 14%

Flexible Working

Enhanced Parental Leave

Excellent site amenities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial/contracts role, ideally within the defence sector.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and agreements.
• Familiarity with MoD contracting frameworks, including DEFCONs and QDCs, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation of commercial terms and conditions.
• Manage the full route to contract, including bid submissions and contract drafting.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Mindset

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Risk Management

Job description

Job Description

What We Can Offer You:

• 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 , 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