Strategic Contracts Manager - Aviation & Defence

DEA Aviation Ltd.; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DEA Aviation Ltd. in Lincoln, UK seeks a proactive Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of commercial agreements from draft and negotiation through compliance, renewals and close-out within a defence-oriented, highly regulated environment.

The role requires a law degree/JD with 3–5 years in contracts, strong regulatory knowledge (ITAR/DFARS), and proven negotiation skills across suppliers and customers.

Qualifications

• Law degree or JD from an accredited institution.
• Master’s in law in commercial disciplines from regulated industries is highly desirable.
• 3–5 years in contracts management in manufacturing or defence sectors.
• Reviewing supplier and customer agreements to mitigate liabilities and risks.
• Due diligence and vetting for onboarding customers and suppliers.
• Familiar with ITAR and DFARS regulations; able to negotiate with suppliers and support supply chain.
• Able to negotiate high-value transactions.
• Strong understanding of contract law in common law jurisdictions.
• Manage contract changes and renewals.
• Manage NDA processes.
• Provide guidance on contract requirements and issues.
• Basic knowledge of contract disputes and litigation.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating contract terms with vendors, clients or partners.
• Risk management in agreements and mitigation strategies.
• Regulatory compliance tracking for performance standards and financial obligations.
• Ensure alignment with UK MOD regulations, single-source rules and international trade controls.
• Lifecycle management from pre-qualifications to final close-out.
• Cross-functional collaboration between legal, finance, procurement, sales and operations.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, conditions and risk allocations.
• Identify operational or financial risks and oversee change orders.
• Stakeholder liaison between internal teams and defence clients.

Skills

Contract Law

Commercial Negotiations

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Cross-Functional Liaison

ITAR/DFARS

Due Diligence

NDA Process

Change Control

Stakeholder Management

Education

Law degree or JD

Master in commercial law

Tools

ITAR/DFARS compliance

Job description

DEA Aviation Ltd. in Lincoln, UK seeks a proactive Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of commercial agreements from draft and negotiation through compliance, renewals and close-out within a defence-oriented, highly regulated environment.

The role requires a law degree/JD with 3–5 years in contracts, strong regulatory knowledge (ITAR/DFARS), and proven negotiation skills across suppliers and customers.