Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham

Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex contract management and negotiations for high-priority programmes.
  • Company: Join GE Aerospace, a leader in aviation innovation and technology.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive rewards, and tailored benefits to suit your lifestyle.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for process improvement and growth.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the aerospace industry while developing your career in contracts management.
  • Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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 protects the business through sound contractual guidance, effective risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has 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. The role involves identifying areas of risk, developing mitigation strategies, and helping the business reach compliant, commercially sound outcomes. The position 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.

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, 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.

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 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.

Desirable 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.

Location and Benefits

Flexible working arrangements where possible. The UK Contracts team is based in the Cheltenham office.

Total Reward

GE Aerospace offers a flexible benefits plan, FlexChoice. Default in the benefits fund includes pension, bonus, life assurance, group income protection, and private medical cover. Participants may tailor benefits to individual needs.

Security Clearance and Right to Work

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained. If BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role. Right to work in the UK support and sponsorship are considered in line with UK immigration rules.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

About GE Aerospace

We invent the future of flight and are a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. We value respect for people and operate with a lean model. We strive to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent and empower employees to reach their potential. We work and win as one team, accountable to each other and our customers.

Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham employer: IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited

At GE Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in our Cheltenham office that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits package, including tailored options to suit individual needs, empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values respect and teamwork, we provide meaningful opportunities for growth in the exciting field of aerospace.

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Contact Details:

IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited Recruitment Team

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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Contract Manager role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its contracts. Understand their business model and recent projects. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your expertise in contract law and risk management can help them achieve their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions. We know that being able to articulate risks and opportunities clearly is key in this field, so let’s make sure you’re ready to shine in those discussions.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Senior Contracts Manager position!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Manager in Cheltenham

Contract Management
Contract Negotiation
Contract Administration
Risk Assessment
Legal Knowledge
FAR Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement

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 responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

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 roles.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited

Know Your Contracts Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract law and the specific terms and conditions relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed complex contracts in the past and any challenges you've faced.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated contract terms or resolved disputes. Highlight your approach to risk management and how you’ve guided teams towards compliant solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to lead negotiations effectively.

Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with the company’s business model and how contracts fit into their overall strategy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals through effective contract management and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Prepare Questions for Them

Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their current contracting challenges or how they measure success in this role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.