At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and deliver complex defence contracts in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Company: Join MGI Engineering, a growing player in the defence and aerospace sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, flexible working hours, and free breakfast.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities in advanced technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while collaborating with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing defence-related contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
Are you an experienced Contracts Manager with expertise in delivering defence-related contracts within advanced manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or defence environments? Do you thrive on managing complex contractual frameworks, mitigating risk and supporting programme delivery within highly regulated sectors?
Niche Recruitment are proud to be partnering with MGI Engineering to recruit a Contracts Manager for their growing business in Witney. Operating across the defence, aerospace, automotive, marine and motorsport sectors, MGI Engineering are experiencing significant growth within the defence market and are looking for an experienced contracts professional to support the successful delivery of complex engineering and defence programmes.
This hands-on role is centred around managing awarded contracts, supporting programme teams, ensuring contractual compliance and maintaining robust governance across a portfolio of engineering projects. Rather than focusing on new business generation, this position is ideal for someone who enjoys contract delivery, stakeholder management and driving successful outcomes within a fast-paced technical environment. This full-time role offers a highly competitive salary alongside excellent benefits, within a dynamic and innovative engineering business.
Key Responsibilities- Manage the delivery and administration of awarded engineering and defence contracts
- Support programme teams with contract interpretation, change control, claims management and risk mitigation
- Lead the negotiation and management of supplier and subcontractor agreements
- Ensure compliance with defence industry regulations, export controls and contractual obligations
- Identify, assess and manage contractual and commercial risks across complex engineering programmes
- Maintain strong commercial governance and provide clear reporting to senior leadership
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Procurement, Finance and Programme Management teams to support successful project delivery
- Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and key stakeholders
- Proven experience managing defence-related contracts within engineering, aerospace, defence, manufacturing or other technical industries
- Strong understanding of contract management principles, programme delivery and change management processes
- Experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value defence or government contracts
- Knowledge of DEFCON terms, FAR/DFARS, ITAR, export controls and defence procurement frameworks
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Experience working closely with senior leadership teams and cross-functional stakeholders
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexible benefits scheme
- Free breakfast
- Birthday day off
- Flexible working hours
If you're an experienced Contracts Manager looking to join an innovative engineering business at the forefront of defence and advanced technology programmes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Niche Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Contracts Manager - Defence employer: Niche Recruitment Ltd
MGI Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in Witney, where you can thrive as a Contracts Manager within the rapidly growing defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a flexible benefits scheme, MGI Engineering fosters a collaborative culture that values stakeholder management and contract delivery, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on complex engineering projects. Join a team that prioritises your professional development while enjoying perks like a birthday day off and free breakfast.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MGI Engineering and their recent projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see you shine and demonstrate your knowledge of defence contracts!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing supplier agreements, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with those tricky conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little courtesy can make a big impression, so let them know you’re keen to join their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in managing defence-related contracts. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what MGI Engineering is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex contracts and mitigated risks in previous roles. Keep it engaging and relevant to the defence sector.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your stakeholder management and negotiation skills. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams and managed relationships in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at MGI Engineering. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Niche Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the contracts you've managed in the past, especially those related to defence and engineering. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex contractual frameworks and mitigated risks.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in building relationships with customers, suppliers, and key stakeholders. Think of instances where your communication and negotiation skills made a significant impact on project delivery.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Regulations
Brush up on DEFCON terms, FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other relevant regulations. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of compliance and governance will show that you're well-prepared for the role and understand the importance of these frameworks.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised and ensure successful contract delivery across various projects.
