Contract Manager

Manpower UK Ltd; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology firm is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to oversee subcontract management and supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract management within complex, high-value programs. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, driving performance, and managing change processes. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to mission-critical projects in the defence sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex subcontracts and supplier performance.
• Strong understanding of contract management principles and change control processes.
• Collaborative and solutions-focused negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Contract management principles

Supplier governance

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in business, law, or engineering

Tools

MoD contracting knowledge

Job description

Contract Manager - Defence & Technology Projects

Contract Type: 6-Month Contract (Inside IR35)

Rate: Negotiable, depending on experience

About the Role

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.

Key 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.

Required Skills & Experience

• 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.