Contracts & Compliance Manager

At Hadean, we are building the next generation of defence technology. As a key player in the UK’s defence tech ecosystem, our world‑leading software is trusted by defence organisations and militaries worldwide. We specialise in AI‑powered digital wargaming and Command & Control systems that help users understand complexity, make better decisions, and operate at scale. Joining Hadean means working on technology with real‑world impact, alongside a team that is driven to push the limits of what’s possible.

The Role

As Head of Contracts & Compliance, you will play a central role in enabling Hadean’s next phase of growth. You’ll build and scale the systems, processes, and governance needed to support increasingly complex contracts across the UK, NATO, US defence sectors. This is a high‑impact role reporting to the CFO, working closely with commercial, delivery, IT, and leadership teams. You will ensure we remain audit‑ready, contract‑compliant, and able to move quickly – designing frameworks that enable growth rather than slow it down. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both building systems and rolling up their sleeves to execute. You’ll initially operate as an individual contributor, with support from external advisors and internal stakeholders, with the opportunity to shape and grow the function over time.

What You’ll Focus on - 6 to 12 Months

• Establish scalable, efficient contracting processes across UK, NATO, and US defence customers
• Strengthen audit readiness across key frameworks (ISO, cybersecurity, defence compliance)
• Build clear visibility of contractual obligations and risk across the business
• Implement pragmatic export control and data protection processes
• Embed a culture of practical, business‑friendly compliance

Key Responsibilities

• Own and improve the end‑to‑end contracting process across UK, US, and NATO markets
• Support a range of agreements including customer contracts, government/defence contracts, IP licensing, NDAs, and supplier terms
• Identify, track, and manage contractual risks and obligations
• Support compliance with MOD, FAR/DFARS, and customer‑specific requirements
• Partner with commercial teams to enable faster, more effective deal execution
• Work with external counsel where appropriate

• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and relevant US privacy requirements
• Oversee DPIAs, incident response, and data governance practices

• Manage UK and US export control requirements including ITAR/EAR licensing, classification and sanctions screening
• Maintain compliant processes, record‑keeping and cross‑functional awareness
• Build practical processes and awareness across the business

• Maintain and evolve compliance with relevant cyber standards supported by our IT team (e.g. ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials/Plus, CMMC, NIST 800‑171)
• Partner with IT to ensure controls, evidence, and processes are effective and proportionate
• Coordinate audits and work closely with the IT manager to maintain controls and evidence
• Own audit preparation, remediation tracking and ongoing certification maintenance

• Oversee the processes to maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 frameworks
• Coordinate audits, manage non‑conformances, and support continuous improvement

• Develop and deliver training to embed compliance across the organisation
• Support incident management, internal audits, and corrective actions
• Build a pragmatic, business‑aligned compliance culture

Experience Required

• 5+ years experience in compliance, contracting, or related roles with hands‑on responsibility
• Experience working with compliance frameworks (e.g. ISO standards, audit processes, certification maintenance)
• Exposure to defence, government, or other regulated environments (e.g. UK MOD, DoW, or similar)
• Experience managing contracts across UK and/or US jurisdictions
• Ability to both design processes and execute them directly
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Legal, procurement, or compliance qualification (e.g. law degree, CIPS, WorldCC), or equivalent practical experience

Skills Required

• Strong understanding of commercial contracts, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Clear and confident communicator, able to influence across teams and seniority levels
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and follow‑through
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
• Sound judgement – knowing when to elevate and when to act
• High integrity and ownership mindset

Job Benefits

We make Hadean an awesome place to work with competitive benefits:

• Hybrid working with access to our fantastic office in Shoreditch, London
• Private Health Insurance
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Enhanced parental leave
• 3 extra days off at Christmas (on top of our standard 25)
• L&D budget
• Regularly scheduled socials
• Share options

A Place For Everyone

We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Hadean. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our clients.