At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-stakes negotiations and manage a dedicated team for strategic US Government projects.
- Company: Join Martin-Baker, the world leader in life-saving ejection seats and crashworthy seating.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and a personalised training plan.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth opportunities and a midday finish on Fridays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by contributing to life-saving missions on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Strong background in contract management and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Denham
Direct Impact. Global Scale. Life-Saving Mission.
At Martin-Baker, we are the world leaders in ejection seats and crashworthy seating. We don’t just build products; we build the last line of defence for pilots globally. We are seeking a Contracts Manager to join our Americas team to manage high-stakes customer accounts while leading and developing a dedicated team of two.
The Role
- Strategic Negotiation: Lead the negotiation of terms, conditions, and pricing for large-scale, high-value deals.
- US Government Excellence: Manage complex projects often governed by FAR and DFARS regulations.
- Risk Management: Regularly review debt and the Risk Information System (RIS) to ensure commercial stability.
- Direct Leadership: Manage a team of two, conducting regular one-to-ones, appraisals, and professional development.
- Operational Oversight: Ensure balanced workload distribution across the team and act as the first point of escalation for customer issues.
- Regional Strategy: Support your team in navigating the unique commercial landscape of South America, including the use of Letters of Credit, bank guarantees, and commission structures.
- Travel Coordination: Oversee and coordinate international travel for your team (to the US and South America) to meet business needs, which can range from twice a year to six times per year depending on project demands.
About You
We need a commercial expert who understands that international business is as much about regional nuance as it is about the "black and white" of a contract.
Essential Experience:
- Commercial Contracting: Strong background in end-to-end contract management.
- People Management: Prior experience managing or leading a team is preferred.
- Regional Knowledge: Experience with South American or Far Eastern markets is a significant plus.
- Financial Tools: Familiarity with Letters of Credit, bank guarantees, and agency agreements.
- Technical Knowledge (Nice to Have): Experience with FAR and DFARS (US Government contracting). Understanding of regional differences in international trade and compliance.
Benefits
- 9% non-contributory pension (18+)
- Midday finish on Fridays
- 4x salary Life Assurance (18+)
- Personalised training & development plan
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Cycle to Work & nursery benefits
- Discounts via the Martin-Baker+ platform
Your Interview Journey
- Initial Telephone interview - a detailed conversation with your Recruitment Business Partner to understand your background and motivation for joining Martin-Baker.
- First Stage Interview (Microsoft Teams) - a structured discussion with the Hiring Manager to explore your work experience and provide insight into Martin-Baker’s operations and the specifics of the role.
- Final Stage Interview (Face to Face)
Why Join Us?
At Martin-Baker, your work directly contributes to saving lives. You’ll join a collaborative, innovative team with real opportunities to grow and make an impact.
This role is subject to UK Government BPSS security clearance. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK and be currently residing in the UK.
Contracts Manager in London employer: Martin Baker
At Martin-Baker, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the aerospace industry, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly save lives. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and personal growth, supported by comprehensive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and tailored training opportunities. Located in Denham, you will enjoy a balanced work-life with a midday finish on Fridays and the chance to engage in international projects, making this an exceptional place to advance your career while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to 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 dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Martin-Baker and understand their mission and values. We want to see your passion for saving lives through innovative solutions, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Contracts Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We love to hear about your approach to mentoring and developing others.
✨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’re always on the lookout for candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial contracting and people management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in negotiation and risk management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Martin-Baker. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of international business nuances, especially in South America.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have with FAR and DFARS regulations. This will help us see how you can hit the ground running in managing our US Government projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Martin Baker
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the ins and outs of contract management, especially in relation to US Government projects. Brush up on FAR and DFARS regulations, as these will likely come up during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or navigated challenges, and how you can apply those skills at Martin-Baker.
✨Understand Regional Nuances
Familiarise yourself with the commercial landscape of South America, including financial tools like Letters of Credit and bank guarantees. Being able to speak knowledgeably about regional differences will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage customer issues or negotiate terms under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process.
