Contracts Manager – Defence Vacancy (Hybrid, North East UK)
We’re working with a UK-based engineering and technology organisation operating in highly regulated, safety‑critical environments across global defence and industrial markets.
They are seeking a Contract Manager to take ownership of complex commercial agreements across a growing portfolio of defence programmes. This is a key role sitting between commercial, legal, and delivery teams, ensuring contracts are robust, compliant, and commercially sound from start to finish.
This opportunity is particularly well suited to ex‑military professionals who have experience in commercial, procurement, or operational roles involving contracts, governance, or supplier/customer management.
You’ll manage contracts end‑to‑end – from negotiation and award through to delivery and close‑out – ensuring commercial performance, compliance, and risk are actively controlled throughout. You’ll also play a key role in supporting bids and tenders, shaping commercial strategy and ensuring proposed contract terms are viable and aligned to business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage contracts across their full lifecycle (drafting, negotiation, execution, and close‑out)
- Own the commercial position across assigned contracts; support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting; balance risk, margin, and growth objectives
- Lead negotiations on terms, pricing, and contract structures; support governance processes; maintain compliance with relevant legislation and procurement frameworks
- Monitor contract performance, KPIs, and service levels; identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks; elevate issues proactively and recommend solutions
- Engage with internal teams (sales, legal, engineering, operations) and build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and government stakeholders; act as the bridge between commercial intent and operational delivery
- Provide commercial input into bids and proposals; shape pricing strategies, commercial models, and risk positions; review and approve contractual elements of submissions
This role aligns well with experience gained in:
- Commercial / procurement roles within defence, logistics, supply chain, or equipment support
- Staff officer positions involving governance and oversight
- Project or programme management roles
- Engineering or technical leadership roles with contractual exposure
And with experience in:
- Managing risk, compliance, and governance frameworks; working with multiple stakeholders in complex environments
- Negotiating outcomes and balancing competing priorities under pressure
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in contract management or commercial roles
- Background in defence, public sector, engineering, or regulated environments
- Strong understanding of contractual principles, risk allocation, and negotiation
- Ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities effectively
- Desirable: Experience with defence contracting frameworks (e.g. MOD or equivalent)
- Exposure to bid/tender processes
- Professional accreditation (e.g. IACCM / WorldCC or similar)
- Familiarity with structured procurement environments
- Must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
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