Commercial Contract Manager

Holt Recruitment Group Limited; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Contract Manager to support its growth. The role involves leading contractual activities and advising various departments on risks while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the defence sector and strong knowledge of contract law. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Horsham, West Sussex with an attractive salary package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience negotiating and managing contracts with major governmental or defence sector clients.
• Strong knowledge of International and UK defence contracting environments with a deep understanding of contract law.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders across internal and external business boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead contractual activities in the tender process, preparing and negotiating contract responses.
• Advise departments on commercial risks and draft agreements while ensuring compliance.
• Monitor contract progress and resolve potential disputes.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Knowledge of UK defence contracting

Stakeholder collaboration

Risk mitigation strategies

Attention to detail

Job description

Commercial Contract Manager

Horsham, West Sussex

£60,000 – £65,000

Overview

An experienced Commercial Contract Manager is required to support the ongoing growth of a reputable business in Horsham, West Sussex. This is a full‑time, permanent opportunity for a proven professional ready to work closely with major OEMs, government authorities, and internal teams to deliver robust commercial solutions and manage the full contract lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contractual activities in the tender process, including preparing and negotiating contract responses.
• Advise departments such as Sales, PMO, Supply Chain, and Engineering on commercial risks.
• Review, negotiate, and approve various agreements (NDAs, Loan Agreements, MOUs, Supplier Declarations).
• Draft and secure approval for agreements, ensuring compliance with due diligence policies.
• Coordinate with legal counsel for non‑standard clauses.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Provide commercial guidance on tenders and contract terms.
• Support the Supply Chain team in drafting and negotiating sub‑contracts.
• Advise Project Management on contract execution from order to closure.
• Monitor contract progress and resolve potential disputes.
• Assess and mitigate contractual risks, including enforcement of Variation of Price (VoP) clauses.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with processes and Distribution of Authority (DOA).
• Support audit processes as required.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience negotiating and managing contracts with major governmental or defence sector clients.
• Strong knowledge of International and UK defence contracting environments, with a deep understanding of contract law, pricing, financing, and terms and conditions.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders across internal and external business boundaries, including international organisations.
• Confident in communication and able to offer pragmatic risk mitigation strategies.
• Highly motivated, with strong attention to detail and a team‑oriented approach.

To find out more please reach out to Max Sinclair [e-mail]