Contracts Manager in Basildon

This Contracts Manager role is part of Leonardo's Commercial team within the Integrated Sensing & Protection (ISP) line of business, focusing on the Mission Systems sector. The position reports to the Senior Commercial Manager and works closely with UK and international customers in integrated project teams (IPTs).

Core responsibilities include:

• Maintaining existing contracts.
• Developing commercial bids and proposals.
• Providing strategic commercial guidance on challenging contracts.
• Upholding commercial governance at all organizational levels.

Your Impact:

The position operates in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, requiring strong communication, prioritisation, and stakeholder management skills. It offers exposure to a variety of contracts, customers, and work settings, with a hybrid working model that includes on‑site attendance at the Basildon office.

What You'll Do:

• Provide strategic and tactical oversight of multiple contracts and bid activities within the Mission Systems sector.
• Draft, negotiate, and administer complex contract terms and conditions, coordinating with Procurement to facilitate flow with subcontractors.
• Develop clear and informed commercial strategies, securing necessary approvals.
• Produce accurate, compliant customer pricing using appropriate pricing models applied to cost estimates.
• Lead the creation of concise correspondence and obtain stakeholder input as required.
• Draft and review agreements such as NDAs, Software Licensing Agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
• Provide commercial leadership and administration on projects and contracts, including change control, performance monitoring, and risk management.
• Prepare proposals for customer submission alongside internal documentation required for bid approval.
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues and customers to deliver company value.
• Manage workload, highlight conflicts or priorities, and effectively steer stakeholder and customer expectations.

What You'll Bring:

• High level of understanding of contract law and its application.
• Experience with UK Government and international contracts.
• Ability to advocate at senior organisational levels.
• Capability to identify and implement complex commercial strategies, managing stakeholder and customer relationships to achieve successful outcomes.
• Flexible mindset and adaptable approach.
• Strong skill in prioritising a portfolio of tasks while communicating effectively with key stakeholders and customers.
• Detailed understanding of business finance, profit and loss, margin, markup, escalation, and foreign exchange.
• Ability to identify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Proficiency in building effective relationships with cross‑functional colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills.

Security Clearance:

This role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional personnel security controls, including National Security Vetting (NSV), may apply and could require eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why Join Us:

Leonardo offers a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance.

• Generous leave programme with up to 12 additional flexi‑days per year.
• Employer‑contributed pension scheme with up to 15% contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and inclusive employee networks.
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Unlimited online courses through Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral programme offering financial reward for successful hires.
• Annual flexible benefits budget of up to £500 for private health, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Hybrid working arrangement with flexible hours.
• Part‑time opportunities may be discussed for this role.

Primary Location: GB – Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide, including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and encourage applicants to inform us of any accessibility requirements needed during the recruitment process.