Contract Manager / Commercial / Legal Ashford, Kent

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Contract Manager / Commercial Manager to join one of our leading clients on an initial 6-month contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused professional with strong expertise in contract management, supplier relationship management, and commercial negotiations.

You will play a key role in ensuring robust contractual arrangements are in place across the supply chain, enabling suppliers to deliver critical operational requirements while mitigating commercial and contractual risk.

The Role

You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of complex operational contracts, developing effective contracting strategies, and ensuring the organisation achieves value for money through strong supplier and commercial management practices. Working closely with stakeholders, suppliers, and the wider Contract Management Team, you will act as a trusted commercial adviser, supporting business objectives through effective contract governance, supplier performance management, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, negotiation, and drafting of complex, business-critical contracts.
• Manage a portfolio of high-value and strategically important contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Act as the lead commercial representative for spot tenders, procurement exercises, and framework awards.
• Provide commercial assurance on contract terms, pricing structures, and cost evaluations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost control activities.
• Lead supplier performance reviews, ensuring delivery against agreed KPIs and SLAs.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex contractual and commercial matters.
• Identify and resolve contractual discrepancies and disputes.
• Lead the resolution of commercial, contractual, and supplier performance issues.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimise business exposure.
• Review, challenge, and improve existing contract management processes and procedures.
• Coach and mentor colleagues, sharing best practice across the wider team.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in contract management, commercial management, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of contract law and commercial principles.
• Experience managing complex contracts within a regulated or large-scale operational environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate commercial agreements and manage supplier performance.
• Experience using Contract Management Systems (CMS) and invoicing/payment platforms.
• Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of supply chain management.
• Experience undertaking cost analysis, programme evaluations, and negotiating compensation events.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to prepare and present concise, insightful reports.

Desirable

• Experience operating within complex procurement or framework-based environments.
• Professional qualifications in Commercial Management, Procurement, Contract Management, or a related discipline would be advantageous.