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- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and manage complex client relationships in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading firm specialising in government and defence contracts across Asia and APAC.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £75,000 plus an attractive package with opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that shape national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence contracts and a degree in commercial or engineering is preferred.
- Other info: This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to driving team success.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Position: Senior Contracts Manager, Commercial Manager
Sector: Government, defence, international
Region: Asia, Australasia, APAC
Travel: 20-25%
Hybrid: No. The role is office based if not out with clients/customers
Salary: £75,000 plus package
Essential:
- You MUST have experience of managing large complex clients in the defence sector. This will include dealing with governments and national military institutions (army, navy, air force).
- You MUST have experience of the sale of high value complex engineered products and services (e.g. service and aftermarket).
- Strong account management and interpersonal skills are a pre-requisite for this role. Contract negotiation periods can be months or even years, with delivery contracts running into even longer periods.
- High level of commercial awareness.
- Experience and solid understanding of commercial and contract processes including procurement practices, principles of contract structures, contractual terms and conditions, bid management and pricing techniques, exchange rates and forward exchange deals, guarantees, banking instruments, principles of export control and shipping terms.
- Established people management skills, with proven abilities of driving commercial success with teams previously managed, determined to coach and steer the best results from direct reports.
- Experience and understanding when managing contract negotiation processes across the APAC region. Strong customer liaison and relationship expertise.
- A formal qualification to degree level in either a commercial or engineering subject is preferred.
Senior Contracts Manager employer: Nicholas Associates
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with government contracts. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in contract management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement practices and contract structures used by governments and military institutions in the APAC region. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing large, complex clients in the defence sector. Be ready to share specific examples of how you navigated long contract negotiations and achieved successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by highlighting your ability to build strong relationships with clients and teams. Consider preparing anecdotes that illustrate your leadership style and how you've driven commercial success in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing large complex clients, particularly in the defence sector. Emphasise your skills in account management and any relevant achievements in contract negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address your understanding of commercial and contract processes. Mention specific examples of high-value contracts you've managed and how you navigated complex negotiations, especially in the APAC region.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in a commercial or engineering subject, make it prominent in your application. This is preferred for the role, so ensure it stands out to the hiring team.
Showcase People Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to coach and drive results, as this is crucial for the Senior Contracts Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates
✨Showcase Your Defence Sector Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience managing large, complex clients in the defence sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you dealt with government and military institutions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Familiarise yourself with commercial and contract processes relevant to the position. Be ready to discuss your understanding of procurement practices, contract structures, and pricing techniques, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Highlight People Management Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Discuss how you've driven commercial success through coaching and mentoring, as strong people management skills are essential for this role.
✨Prepare for Long Negotiation Processes
Since contract negotiations can take months or even years, be ready to talk about your strategies for managing lengthy negotiations. Share any experiences where you successfully navigated complex discussions and maintained client relationships over extended periods.
