At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts with the UK MOD and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a collaborative team while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK MOD contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Approximately once every couple of months, depending on projects
LOCATION: Stevenage OR Portsmouth
TYPE: Full time, STEM returners are welcomed
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
- Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons.
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
- Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
- Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)
Applying to this advert is an expression of interest for future Contract Management roles.
About the role:
Contract management experience with UK MOD programmes is essential. As a Contracts Manager you will join a small welcoming and collaborative team that are part of a wider programme of 100+. You will be working alongside and growing a complex network of stakeholders, including procurement, finance, project management and engineering.
How you will contribute to the team:
- Manage end-to-end aspects of current and future contracts with the UK MOD and UK HMG bids.
- Work with Procurement to advise on key contractual obligations and risks within the allocated contracts and ensure flow down and mitigation accordingly.
- Contribute to negotiation strategies of a variety of contractual agreements and changes.
- Ensure that commercial risks are highlighted and mitigated and required governance is followed.
- Manage contracts in accordance with company procedures and contractual requirements, to ensure efficient and accurate performance of commercial activities, change management and prompt payment of invoices.
- Responsible for management of the commercial aspects of the applicable bidding process to establish the nature of new requirements, preparation of bid and governance paperwork, review and negotiation of terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.
About you:
- Experience in managing UK MOD contracts and implementing the Contracting Regulations on those contracts.
- Some experience in preparing and executing winning proposals including customer dialogue / negotiation to secure new sales and maximise profitability both within existing contracts and as part of new bids.
- Enjoys ferreting out information, connecting the dots and ensuring the solutions match up with the Contract as written.
How we can support you:
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Professional
Job Family: Sales, Marketing & Commercial Contracts
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Summary:
Location: Stevenage; Portsmouth
Type: Full time
Posted: 2026-10-13
Country: United Kingdom
Requisition: JR10450253
Posting ID: 764e369039cf10438ea641199e530000
Contracts Manager in Pudsey employer: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth, Stevenage, or Newport, where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on work-life balance, competitive financial rewards, and extensive personal development opportunities, Airbus fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member can grow and succeed in their career while enjoying a fulfilling life outside of work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Pudsey
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Contracts Manager at Airbus Defence and Space!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Airbus Defence and Space or be willing to refer you for that Contracts Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Airbus Defence and Space who’s on the lookout for their next Contracts Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Contracts Manager role at Airbus Defence and Space!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Pudsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Airbus Defence and Space. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Defence and Space
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Airbus Defence and Space. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
