At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract development and delivery, manage risks, and negotiate contracts.
- Company: Join a leading organisation that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work in the Defence sector and travel occasionally.
- Why this job: Be the key player in making contracts easy and effective for our customers.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, strong communication skills, and experience in contract management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the role
As a highly valued contracts and commercial specialist you are expected to be a business enabler, supporting both the winning and subsequent delivery of a profitable business. Making our company one that our customers see as easy to contract with and work with through the delivery of their programmes.
Main Duties
- Provide full contractual and commercial support through development, approval and issuance of bids and proposals, whether in response to RFP/ITN or as part of the company strategy.
- Identify any commercial risk, provide input to the overall risk plan and implement effective risk mitigation.
- Lead in the negotiation of contracts.
- Manage new and existing contracts effectively, including all contract change control and support to the other functions, including contract flow-downs.
- Resolve all commercial issues promptly and effectively.
- Manage the financial aspects of the contract, including forecasting and milestone plans (including timely claim submission).
- Be the commercial face of the organisation to the customer, as the day to day contact and subject matter expert.
- Assure the successful completion, closedown and archive of contracts.
- Be the champion of change and improvement.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Eligible for SC Clearance
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience
- Experience in reviewing and drafting contractual documents
- Strong commercial awareness, business principles and governing law
- Experience of commercial risk management
- An ability to respond to tasks with tenacity and flexibility, whilst working cross functionally in a multi-disciplinary team
- Strong communicator and relationship builder with both internal and external customers
- An ability to remain calm under pressure and collaborate with others
- Positive, self‑motivated and the ability to work independently
- A willingness and ability to travel occasionally (outside of Hybrid working)
Desirable
- Previous experience of contracting in the Defence sector
- Accreditation in Commercial and Supply Chain management
- Basic programme management skill set – Risk Management/Programme Gating/ Metrics
- Strong record of problem solving and dispute resolution
- Experience of working with international suppliers or customers
- Experience of Financial Management
- Awareness of Data Protection and other relevant commercial and contract legislation
- Familiarity with business process management tools (IPDS, SAP or similar) and the competitive bidding process
Role type
Hybrid – Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.
Equal Employment Opportunity
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Principal Contracts Specialist in Harlow employer: Prattwhitney
As a Principal Contracts Specialist, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to engage with diverse projects in the Defence sector. With a hybrid working model, you can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to meaningful contracts that drive our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Contracts Specialist in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Contracts Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to contracts and commercial management. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business and can add value from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Principal Contracts Specialist, you’ll need to lead negotiations effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your techniques before you step into the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Contracts Specialist in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Contracts Specialist. Highlight your experience in contract negotiation and risk management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts and resolved commercial issues in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Principal Contracts Specialist, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively. We want to see how you can be the commercial face of our organisation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of contractual terms and conditions, as well as any recent changes in legislation that might affect the industry. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with contracts but are also proactive about staying informed.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've identified and mitigated commercial risks in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you convey your experience clearly and effectively, showcasing your ability to handle challenges in a high-pressure environment.
✨Showcase Your Communication Prowess
As a Principal Contracts Specialist, you'll need to be an excellent communicator. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview, perhaps by sharing anecdotes about successful collaborations with internal teams or external clients.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to engage in role-play or scenario-based questions regarding contract negotiations. Prepare by reviewing common negotiation tactics and think about how you would approach various situations. This will not only help you feel more confident but also allow you to showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.
