At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex contract management and negotiations for high-priority programmes.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at GE Aerospace, a leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and tailored benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, high-performing environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding strategic contracts and collaborating across teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Senior Contracts Manager serves as a key contracts leader for high-priority and complex programs, providing strategic oversight across the full contract lifecycle — from initial solicitation and proposal review through contract administration, execution, and closeout. This role is responsible for protecting the business through sound contractual guidance, effective risk management, and strong cross-functional collaboration.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in contract terms and conditions, a strong grasp of contract law and legal principles, and the ability to assess, draft, and negotiate contractual language with confidence. This individual identifies areas of risk, develops practical mitigation strategies, and helps the business reach compliant, commercially sound outcomes.
Working closely with internal stakeholders across Program Management, Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Engineering, Finance, HR, and Legal, the Senior Contracts Manager acts as a trusted advisor on contractual matters. The role requires the ability to clearly explain terms, articulate risks and opportunities, support or lead negotiations, and guide teams toward solutions that align with business objectives and compliance requirements.
Job Responsibilities:
- Act as the senior contracts point of contact for critical and complex programs.
- Manage the full contracting lifecycle, including solicitation review, proposal support, contract formation, administration, change management, and closeout.
- Review, draft, and negotiate contract terms and conditions, including redlining and risk analysis.
- Interpret contractual provisions and assess legal and commercial implications.
- Identify contractual risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and communicate impacts to internal stakeholders and leaders.
- Advise business leadership on contract exposure, including the financial or commercial implications of contractual risk.
- Support and lead contract negotiations with customers and other counterparties as needed.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to develop compliant, practical contracting solutions that meet business needs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with a range of customers and internal partners.
- Resolve complex contractual and business issues within area of expertise.
- Apply knowledge of FAR and applicable supplements where relevant, and/or demonstrate strong capability in commercial and international contracting.
- Drive process improvement initiatives and support Lean adoption to improve contracting efficiency and business performance.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment through strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and influence.
- Support domestic and international travel as business needs require.
Required Qualifications:
- Significant experience in contracts management, contract negotiation, and contract administration in a complex business environment.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, legal principles, and contract terms and conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to review and redline agreements, assess risk, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Experience advising senior leaders on contractual matters and business risk.
- Familiarity with government contracting regulations, including FAR and supplements, is preferred; strong commercial and international contracting experience is also valuable.
- Proven ability to work effectively across multiple business functions and influence without direct authority.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- Experience leading projects or initiatives focused on process improvement and Lean principles.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex issues with sound judgment.
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience with U.S. Government (USG) Contracts, International Direct Commercial Sale Contracts, or Civil Contracts.
- High energy team player.
- Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs. Project management skills.
Flexible Working: GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance. The UK Contracts team is based in the Cheltenham office.
Total Reward: At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.
Security Clearance: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role.
Right to Work: Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham employer: Ge Aerospace
At GE Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cheltenham that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible benefits plan, FlexChoice, which allows you to tailor your rewards to suit your individual needs, alongside opportunities for professional development and process improvement initiatives. Join us to be part of a high-performing team where your expertise in contract management will be valued and where you can make a meaningful impact on complex programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their contract management processes and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of negotiating, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and conditions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare and make your application shine. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and negotiation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior Contracts Manager role.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of contract law and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can confidently assess and negotiate contractual language, so make sure to include relevant examples from your past experiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ge Aerospace
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key aspects of contract management and negotiation. Brush up on your knowledge of contract law, terms, and conditions, as well as any relevant regulations like FAR. This will help you confidently discuss your expertise and demonstrate your ability to manage complex contracts.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated contract negotiations or resolved complex issues. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, highlighting your problem-solving skills and how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams. This will show that you can apply your knowledge in practical situations.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company and its industry to understand their business objectives and challenges. This will allow you to tailor your responses to align with their needs and demonstrate how your skills can contribute to their success. Showing that you’re not just knowledgeable about contracts but also about the business will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the company's approach to risk management or how they foster collaboration across departments. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
