Head of Contract Management, Defence

BT Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company in the UK is looking for a Head of Contract Management within their Defence sector. You will be accountable for a significant contract portfolio, focusing on stakeholder engagement, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in commercial management and a proven record of leadership in complex environments. This position offers competitive benefits and an impactful role in national security.

Benefits

BT Pension scheme

Equal family leave

Enhanced health support

25 days annual leave

24/7 private virtual GP appointments

Paid carer’s leave

Training and development opportunities

BT Shares Saving options

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial and contract management.
• Track record of managing senior stakeholders in Defence or Government.
• Demonstrated leadership of large, cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinking with impactful change delivery.
• Eligibility for Developed Vetting security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire contract management and CMO teams.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Provide commercial leadership across Defence portfolio.
• Drive cost transformation initiatives.
• Oversee performance of third-party suppliers.
• Lead change control and contract evolution.
• Champion contract governance and financial performance.
• Manage security clearance requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Leadership

Commercial management

Transformation leadership

Risk management

Job description

Overview

Head of Contract Management, Defence, accountable for a portfolio greater than £1 billion in total contract value. Plays a pivotal role in delivering exceptional value to BT\'s Defence customers while ensuring contractual obligations are met with precision, integrity, and strategic foresight. This role supports national interests, critical public services, and national security, and offers the opportunity to lead at a high level within BT.

BT is a global leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms, serving 1.2 million business customers internationally. We value diversity and inclusion and aim to make a positive impact by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive. Joining BT means being part of a diverse, multi-skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.

Responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring the Defence contract management and CMO teams to deliver operational excellence and strategic outcomes.
• Building and nurturing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including C-suite executives, sector MDs, and Defence partners.
• Providing commercial and strategic leadership across BT\'s Defence portfolio virtual teams and influencing decisions at the highest levels.
• Driving cost transformation and margin optimisation initiatives to ensure long-term contract sustainability, delivering value for money for customers.
• Overseeing the in-life performance of 100+ third-party suppliers and partners, ensuring alignment with BT\'s values and customer commitments.
• Leading change control and contract evolution, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Championing contract governance (CGRs), risk management/mitigation and obligations, and financial performance across the contract lifecycle, including debt and P&L management.
• Managing security clearance requirements: Enhanced DV (Developed Vetting) level clearance, including eligibility and willingness to undergo DV; residency in the UK for a minimum of 10 years as applicable.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial and contract management with a strong grasp of industry best practices.
• A track record of managing senior stakeholders in Defence or Government sectors, with credibility to influence at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated leadership of large, cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.
• Strategic thinking and transformation leadership, with a history of delivering impactful change programmes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity.
• Eligibility and willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) enhanced security clearance.

Benefits

• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• Equal family leave: 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate, for all parents.
• Enhanced women\'s health support, including menopause assistance, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks paid carer\'s leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes