Contract Manager

Manpower; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology organisation in Eastleigh seeks an experienced Contract Manager. The role involves managing key subcontracts and supplier relationships for high-value projects. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, negotiating contract changes, and driving performance improvements. Candidates should have experience in the defence sector and possess strong negotiation skills. This full-time role offers competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex subcontracts within defence, aerospace, or engineering.
• Strong understanding of supplier governance and change control processes.
• Familiarity with MoD contracting and DEFCONs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of subcontracts ensuring delivery performance and compliance.
• Act as the key interface between project teams and suppliers.
• Lead contract change management processes and negotiate variations.

Skills

Contract management principles

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Supplier performance management

Education

Degree in business, law, or engineering

CIPS or IACCM/WorldCC qualification

Job description

Overview

Contract Manager - Defence & Technology Projects

Contract Type: 6-Month Contract (Inside IR35)

Rate: Negotiable, depending on experience

Our client, a leading organisation operating within the defence and advanced technology sectors, is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to oversee the effective management of key subcontracts and supplier relationships across a range of high-value, complex programmes. This is a pivotal role supporting the delivery of mission-critical projects. You will take ownership of subcontract performance, ensure contractual compliance, manage changes, and drive commercial value through proactive supplier engagement and governance.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of subcontracts, ensuring delivery performance, compliance, and value for money.
• Act as the key commercial interface between project teams and the supply chain, maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
• Lead contract change management processes, including negotiation of variations, extensions, and amendments.
• Support contract reviews, supplier performance meetings, and the resolution of commercial or delivery disputes.
• Drive performance improvement across suppliers through KPI monitoring, risk management, and regular engagement.
• Ensure all contractual activities adhere to relevant governance frameworks, procurement policies, and export control regulations.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, procurement, and finance teams to support delivery of project milestones.
• Provide commercial and contractual guidance to internal stakeholders, escalating risks where appropriate.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing complex subcontracts and supplier performance within the defence, aerospace, or engineering sectors.
• Strong understanding of contract management principles, supplier governance, and change control processes.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Familiarity with MoD contracting, DEFCONs, and associated frameworks highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills with attention to commercial and operational detail.
• Degree qualified in business, law, or engineering (or equivalent experience).
• CIPS or IACCM/WorldCC qualification advantageous.

Apply now to play a key role in managing strategic subcontracts, driving supplier performance, and ensuring commercial excellence across complex defence programmes.

Job Information

• Job Title: Contract Manager
• Company: Manpower
• Location: Southampton, Hampshire
• Salary/Rate: Competitive
• Posted: Oct 24th 2025
• Closes:
• Sector: Retail & Purchasing
• Contract: Contract
• Hours: Full Time

Note: This description retains the original language and role context. If any details need updates, please advise.