Contracts Manager

• To provide Commercial management throughout the lifecycle of contracts from receipt of enquiry until receipt of final payment from the customer and close-down activities.
• To take the lead on commercial aspects in key tenders, preparing quotations, contracts, contractual agreements and negotiations.
• To assist the Commercial Manager and the Commercial team on a day-to-day basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and prepare responses to customer enquiries and Invitations to Tender.
• Negotiate prime contracts with UK and overseas customers including UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• Draft contract documentation and agreements of a contractual nature (confidentiality, consultancy, software licences, etc).
• Liaise with customers at all levels in relation to existing and new business, including terms & conditions, contracts, proposals, invoicing.
• Support and advise Programme Managers and Project teams on all contractual matters to ensure cost effective and on-time delivery against customer commitments, and mitigation of contractual liabilities.
• Maximise opportunities within payment plans to maintain/improve working capital when negotiating contract terms and executing programmes to protect the company cash-flow position.
• Proactively support trade compliance, import and export activities.

Qualifications / Skills required

• Demonstrable experience of the negotiation and commercial management of contracts for the development, supply, and support of equipment and systems, for both UK and overseas customers.
• Knowledge of industrial/commercial conditions of contract and procedures, and experience of working with MoD contract conditions.
• Sound commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to liaise and build effective relationships with both internal and external customers and key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, promoting a culture of teamwork.
• Good negotiation and diplomacy skills and the ability to respond to opposition and challenges in a professional and assertive manner.
• A high level of self-motivation and ability to work on one's own initiative.
• Travel to alternative locations in the UK and abroad to undertake occasional off site activities is required.
• Working overtime and unsociable hours as and when required.

All candidates must be eligible to achieve the relevant security vetting level applicable to the role.