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

• Manage 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.