Commercial Contract Manager

Chess Dynamics; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor based in the UK is looking for an experienced Commercial Contracts Manager to manage contractual activities across various departments. You will negotiate contracts, provide commercial guidance, and support the tender process. Ideal candidates will have experience with government contracts and a strong understanding of contract law. This role offers flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%

Health Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience with large governmental and prime contractor contracts.
• Knowledge of UK and international defence contracting.
• Ability to assess contractual risk and offer mitigation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage contractual activities in the tender process.
• Provide advice to various departments on commercial risks.
• Negotiate and authorize different types of agreements.

Skills

Contract negotiation and administration

Understanding of pricing and contract terms

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

Chess is seeking to appoint an experienced, full-time, Commercial Contracts Manager to support the growth of the business.

As part of the Commercial function, you will work with multiple stakeholders in developing commercial solutions for tender responses issued by the major OEM’s and government authorities and subsequently providing commercial management of orders and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibility for contractual activities in the tender process including the preparation of responses to contract conditions and negotiating the final contract.
• Provision of advice and guidance to all departments including Sales, PMO, Supply Chain and Engineering on commercial risks.
• Review, negotiate and authorise various other agreements including but not limited to NDAs, Loan Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding and Supplier Declarations.
• Provision of drafting input and obtain approval for agreements including compliance with due diligence policies.
• Obtaining approval from parent company legal counsel for clauses which fall outside of the agreed parameters.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Provide commercial guidance on tender terms and conditions to the Sales team.
• Support the Supply Chain team in the drafting and negotiation of sub-contracts.
• Provide the Project Management Office with commercial advice and support regarding effective contract execution through the contract lifecycle, from order through to contract closure.
• Monitor contract progress and proactively resolve potential disputes.
• Provide guidance and support resolution of contractual conflicts.
• Calculate and enforce Variation of Price (VoP) clauses.
• Support continuous improvements, implement and ensure adherence to process and the Distribution of Authority (DOA).
• Support audits as and when required.

Skills & Experience

• Experience with the negotiation and administration of contracts for large governmental and prime contractor customers such as UK Government, Ministry of Defence, US DoD and/or other major defence prime contractors.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of the International and UK defence contracting environment (or similar), with a detailed understanding of pricing, contract terms and conditions, financing and a working knowledge of contract law.
• Previous experience in working across internal and external business boundaries with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in working with international organisations outside the UK.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Team player
• Ability to think pragmatically when assessing contractual risk and offer mitigation strategies to the business.
• A mature approach and an understanding of own current capability.
• Highly motivated
• Applies a high level of attention to detail

Work Life Balance

• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
• We operate a flexible approach for employees with the opportunity for partial remote/hybrid working
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
• Regular sports and social activities
• Health Cash Plan
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.