Senior Contracts Manager in Ross on Wye

Looking for your next career move in a company that's shaping the future of satellite communications? At ETL Systems, we've been leading the way in RF design and manufacturing for over 40 years. Our technology powers critical satellite communications infrastructure used by the top 20 satellite operators and teleports worldwide, and 75% of NATO governments rely on our equipment to help protect their citizens.

We're not just growing, we're thriving. With three Queens Awards for Enterprise in International Trade, and recent acquisitions of Atlantic Microwave, SpacePath Communications, and IRT Technologies, we've expanded our capabilities across the full RF chain. This includes everything from antenna to modem, as well as high-power amplifiers and RF test equipment.

What truly sets us apart is our culture. We are proudly recognised as a Great Place to Work (2024, 2025 & 2026) and named Best Workplace in Manufacturing, Production and Transportation (2025). Our success is built on strong values that shape how we work and grow together:

• Collaboration: We work as one team, united in purpose and committed to shared success.
• Innovation: We embrace curiosity and forward-thinking to drive meaningful progress.
• Excellence: We set ambitious standards and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Integrity: We act ethically, honestly and with professionalism in everything we do.

If you're looking to join a company where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a global impact, ETL Systems is the place for you.

ETL People benefits:

• 33 days' holiday per year (including UK bank holidays), rising to 38 days over your first five years service.
• Company-funded Health Cash Plan (helping with everyday healthcare costs).
• Annual Bonus & Salary Review.
• Company Pension.
• Career development and training for all roles.
• ETL Employee Wellbeing Support: free eye tests, free Employee Assistance Programme, GP anytime.
• ETL People Perks: discounts on shopping, holidays, gym membership, days out, cinema and dining.
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme.
• Free on-site Employee Gym (HFD HQ) and subsidised Gym memberships via People Perks.
• Subsidised on-site employee Café (HFD HQ), with free refreshments for all employees.
• Free onsite parking, car share scheme and EV charging.
• Casual Business Dress.
• Annual company events.

Role Overview:

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.

Desirable skills & Experience:

• 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.

Location:

Hybrid working is available for this role. When on-site you will be working from our R&D office in Rickmansworth. Before applying, please make sure you can commute to Ground Floor, Trinity Court, Suite C, Church St, Rickmansworth WD3 1RT or Coldwell Radio Station, Madley, Herefordshire, HR2 9NE.

Closing date: At ETL, we always prioritise efficiency in everything we do. With this in mind, we are looking to commence our interview process without delay and reserve the right to close the opening early should we receive suitable applications.

BPSS Compliant: Due to the nature of our work, all roles require candidates to be BPSS compliant.

VISA Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Agency notice: We are sourcing suitable candidates for this role directly via our internal referral programme, direct marketing, and talent team. Please note that we do not accept speculative CVs from external suppliers.