Senior Contracts Manager Rickmansworth, UK Engineering

The role of Senior Contract Manager will lead and oversee day‑to‑day contract performance, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with statutory/regulatory requirements and standards as internal processes. As the lead for contract management this will include engagement with operational teams, and supply chain partners, ensuring the right resources, skills and controls are in place to deliver high-quality outcomes. You will have responsibility for the maintenance of current contracts and development of commercial bids/proposals, providing strategic and commercially sound guidance on challenging contracts and opportunities within the ETL business.

The role is well suited to an experienced contracts professional who enjoys working closely with programme delivery teams, managing contractual risk, ensuring compliance and supporting the successful execution of high‑value engineering contracts.

The ideal candidate:

• You will have proven experience managing contracts, operations or service delivery in a complex environment, including the delivery and administration of high‑value, technically complex contracts.
• You will have a strong track record of leading teams, managing performance and delivering against commercial and operational targets.
• You will be experienced in overseeing multi‑site operations, working with supply chains and managing supplier and subcontractor agreements, ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• You will be confident supporting programme teams with contract interpretation, change control, claims management and risk mitigation, while identifying and managing commercial and contractual risks across multiple programmes.
• A solid understanding of maintenance delivery, safe systems of work, regulatory and contractual compliance is essential, including adherence to relevant procurement and export control requirements.
• You will be commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, reviewing financial performance and balancing quality, cost and customer needs.
• You will be confident using data to assess performance, identify risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are key, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build effective relationships at all levels.
• You will work collaboratively with Engineering, Procurement, Finance and Programme Management teams, and be proactive, well‑organised and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on safety, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, are required.
• Proven experience managing contracts within engineering, aerospace, defence, manufacturing or other relevant technical industries.
• Working knowledge of defence contract terms, including FAR/DFARS, and defence procurement frameworks.
• Experience negotiating and managing complex, high‑value contracts.
• Strong understanding of programme delivery, change management and contract governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

ETL People Benefits – what we offer!

• 33 days holiday per year, increasing with long service to 38.
• Annual bonus.
• Company pension.
• Life Insurance (4x salary).
• Annual salary review.
• Career development and training for all roles.
• Free on‑site gym (head office) and discounted gym memberships.
• Buy and sell holiday scheme.
• Green car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee discounts (shopping, holidays, dining, cinema and more).
• Annual company events.
• Free onsite parking, car share scheme and EV charging.
• Subsidised on‑site café (head office).
• Free refreshments.
• Core business hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm with flexible working options available.