Senior Contracts Manager

Senior Contracts Manager

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site in Belfast

We are seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to provide expert commercial and contractual leadership across bids and contract delivery within IAS UK. This role is critical to enabling the business to win new work, negotiate robust contracts and manage contractual risk throughout the delivery lifecycle. You will work closely with bid, project and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor on commercial strategy while ensuring obligations are met and opportunities maximised.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS)

Our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.

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Main Responsibilities:

• Lead contractual input across bids and projects, supporting negotiation strategy and contract formation.
• Provide expert commercial advice on terms and conditions, risks, liabilities and opportunities.
• Manage change control, claims and disputes, working with legal and senior stakeholders to protect business interests.
• Oversee financial instruments such as Letters of Credit, bank guarantees and other trade finance arrangements.
• Drive compliance with contract governance, processes and delegation of authority requirements.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Strong background in contract and commercial management, ideally within complex or regulated environments.
• Proven experience negotiating customer contracts and managing contracts through delivery.
• Solid understanding of contractual risk, change management, claims and dispute resolution.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including exposure to international contracting and trade finance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.