Commercial Contract Manager - Defence in England

A UK-based technology group that designs, manufactures, and supports advanced underwater and subsea technologies for global defence and commercial maritime customers.

Provide specialist legal advice and support on commercial contracts within the defence sector, including sales, IP licensing, procurement, collaboration, consulting, master services, indemnity, and non‑disclosure agreements. Review and assess customer contractual terms and conditions, identifying deviations from Company standards and policies, and highlighting actual and potential risks relating to liability, intellectual property, warranties, and security. Advise on non‑contractual legal matters where required and manage interactions with external legal advisers and specialists. Support commercial teams and senior management during contract negotiations by providing clear recommendations, options, and proposed amendments; liaising directly with customers where appropriate to achieve acceptable agreements. Contribute to the development of commercial and contractual awareness across the Group through guidance, updates, and structured training initiatives. Research and advise on country‑specific legal and regulatory requirements impacting contractual obligations and Company compliance. Liaise with insurers, lawyers, and other external advisers to clarify contractual issues and obtain specialist input to support negotiations. Maintain accurate and auditable records for all non‑standard contracts, including correspondence, policy deviations, amendments, and executed agreements. Ensure contract management activities align with Company policies, procedures, and best practice across the Group. Work closely with internal functions including Governance & Risk, Finance, Sales, HSE, and HR to ensure contractual compliance relating to insurance, export controls, health and safety, tax, and employment matters. Maintain strong working knowledge of FARs, DFARS, DPAS, DEFCONs, DEFFORMS, and other procurement regulations across multiple jurisdictions, and advise accordingly.

Profile

• Law degree with strong commercial legal foundations.
• Proven experience in a Commercial / Contracts Manager or similar role, with hands‑on expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of commercial contracts in‑house or private practice.
• Background in defence and related sectors (oil & gas, offshore renewables, engineering, oceanographic), with experience of complex, high‑risk commercial agreements.
• Demonstrable experience in international and cross‑border contracting, including ownership of bespoke drafting across multiple OpCos and jurisdictions.
• Advanced contract drafting capability, including collaboration, R&D, reseller, and agency agreements, with strong commercial risk analysis.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property, third‑party software risks, and IP protection strategies.
• Strong commercial judgement, able to develop pragmatic risk‑mitigation solutions within legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Comfortable working independently under pressure, managing volume, detail, and tight deadlines.
• Experience advising and influencing commercial teams and senior stakeholders in contract negotiations.
• Ability to lead reseller/agent frameworks, due diligence, and competition law advice across a group environment.

Job Offer

• Discretionary performance‑related bonus (PRP) based on company and individual performance.
• 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Flexible working arrangements scheme to support work‑life balance.
• Christmas shutdown, with additional paid time off over the festive period.
• Generous pension scheme (Aviva), with company contributions increasing with age.
• Group life assurance (6x basic salary death‑in‑service benefit).
• Group income protection scheme following company sick pay period.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan providing cashback on healthcare and wellbeing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support for personal, legal, financial, and wellbeing matters).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme and EV charging points at HQ (eligibility criteria apply).
• Training and development opportunities across the business.
• Active wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Costco membership available to employees.
• Payroll giving scheme for charitable donations.
• Regular social activities organised by a social committee.
• Sonardyne Champions recognition scheme (£250 award).
• Long service awards recognising 10, 20, 30, and 40 years' service.