Business Development / Contract Manager - Warrington in Whaley Bridge

Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) is looking for an ambitious and commercially focused Contracts Manager to join our growing Solutions business. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting strategic growth, managing customer contracts, and helping NTS expand into new markets across nuclear decommissioning, nuclear new build and defence. You will act as the commercial lead for customer contract management and administration, while also supporting the delivery of strategic bids, special projects and business development initiatives. Working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, you'll help identify new opportunities, develop commercial strategies and contribute to the long-term success of NTS.

For the right candidate, this role offers a clear development pathway with the opportunity to progress into a Senior Contracts Manager position.

What you'll be doing:

• Acting as the commercial lead for the management and administration of customer contracts.
• Supporting and leading strategic bids and special projects that contribute to the growth and diversification of NTS.
• Developing commercial strategies that maximise the success of new business opportunities while delivering value for customers and sustainable outcomes for NTS.
• Monitoring market developments and identifying opportunities across nuclear decommissioning, nuclear new build and defence sectors.
• Delivering marketing and key account management initiatives to support business growth and market expansion.
• Supporting the preparation and management of business plans and budgets for the NTS Solutions business.
• Contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives and continuous improvement in contract management practices.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers, government organisations, regulators and other key stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of commercial apprentices and graduates.
• Championing NTS culture and values through freedom, helpfulness and drive.

Training & development:

This role offers excellent development opportunities, including support towards professional accreditation and progression to Senior Contracts Manager. You will have the opportunity to work towards:

• International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) accreditation or an equivalent commercial qualification.
• Grade A/B Practitioner status through the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO) Assessment and Development Centre.
• Development of advanced commercial, business development and stakeholder management skills through practical experience and mentoring.

Who we're looking for:

Experience:

• Experience in contract development, negotiation and contract management.
• Experience of building strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Experience of developing commercial proposals and supporting business growth initiatives.
• Experience of managing multiple priorities, projects and competing deadlines.
• Experience within the nuclear, transport, logistics, engineering or other highly regulated sectors would be advantageous.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of contract and competition law.
• Understanding of commercial strategy development and contract negotiation principles.
• Aware of the nuclear industry and market opportunities across decommissioning, new build and defence sectors.
• Understanding of bid development, business planning and market analysis would be beneficial.

Skills & behaviours:

• Excellent commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work independently and confidently represent NTS at all levels.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise business proposals and commercial documentation.
• Ability to identify new opportunities and develop effective commercial strategies.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing others and supporting inclusive teams.
• Curious, innovative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving business environment.

Training & development:

At NTS, we're committed to helping our people grow. Alongside professional qualifications and accreditation support, you'll gain exposure to strategic projects, senior stakeholder engagement and business development activities that will broaden your commercial expertise and support future career progression. This role provides a structured pathway towards becoming a Senior Contracts Manager, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring and hands-on experience.

The company is the leading global provider of safe, secure and reliable nuclear transport solutions that make the world safer and more sustainable. As part of the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, we support the largest environmental restoration programme in Europe, and we use our specialist transport and logistics expertise to help customers and partners around the world solve their own complex challenges.