Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and contracts management for impactful defence projects.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the defence and mission-critical systems sector.
- Benefits: Flexible location with monthly Bristol visits and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in national defence programmes with real visibility and influence.
- Qualifications: Strong background in contracts or commercial law, ideally within regulated sectors.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Ideally Bristol but open to further afield with monthly Bristol visits.
We are working on a CM for a leading organisation within the defence and mission-critical systems sector, seeking an experienced Legal & Contracts Manager / Commercial Contracts Manager to join a high-profile mission systems environment. This role would suit someone with a strong legal or contracts background who enjoys operating at the intersection of law, commercial strategy, and complex defence programmes.
The Opportunity
You will play a key role in providing commercial and contractual leadership across a portfolio of defence projects, supporting bid activity, contract negotiation, and lifecycle management. Working closely with legal, programme, and senior stakeholder teams, you will help ensure contracts are robust, compliant, and commercially sound.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial and defence contracts
- Advising stakeholders on contractual risk, legal exposure, and mitigation strategies
- Supporting bids, tenders, and contract amendments
- Managing contracts through the full lifecycle, from pre-award to close-out
- Interpreting and applying UK defence, procurement, and regulatory frameworks
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior internal stakeholders
About You
- Strong background in contracts, commercial law, or legal advisory roles
- Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering, government, or regulated sectors
- Confident negotiating complex contractual terms and conditions
- Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Legally trained professional is advantageous (but not essential)
Location & Flexibility
Ideally Bristol-based, but the client is open to candidates further afield. Expectation to attend the Bristol office a few times per month.
Why Apply?
Work on nationally significant defence programmes. High-impact role with real visibility and influence.
If you would like to explore this opportunity discreetly, apply via LinkedIn or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Legal & Contracts Manager in Bristol employer: Arguile Search
Contact Detail:
Arguile Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal & Contracts Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves complex contracts, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during discussions is key. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal & Contracts Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Legal & Contracts Manager role. Highlight your background in contracts and commercial law, especially within the defence sector, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex contracts and engage with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated complex contractual terms in the past. We want to see your confidence and expertise in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile Search
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of contracts relevant to the defence sector. Brush up on your knowledge of UK defence, procurement, and regulatory frameworks. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in contract negotiation and risk management. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex contractual issues or provided strategic advice to stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with various teams in previous roles. Highlight instances where your input made a significant impact on project outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current projects and challenges in the defence sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.
