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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract management and commercial governance for profitable business delivery.
- Company: Join a leading company known for its collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the key player in shaping contracts that drive success and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience with strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to travel and work in a multi-disciplinary team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Date Posted: 2026-02-17
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Harlow (Hybrid) with 3 days a week on site.
Security Clearance Requirements: SC Eligible
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. You will provide contractual and commercial governance and advice to the bid and project teams as the subject matter expert in your contracting area, support multiple contracts and provide flexibility as the business requires.
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.
Qualifications
Essential:
- 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.
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.
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 Contract Specialist in Harlow employer: Raytheon UK
Contact Detail:
Raytheon UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Contract 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 Contract Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they approach contracts. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely gets their business and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Principal Contract Specialist, you’ll need to lead contract negotiations. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Contract Specialist in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Contract Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract management and commercial governance, as this will show us that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. If you've got experience in risk management or negotiation, give us examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raytheon UK
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Principal Contract Specialist, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in reviewing and drafting contractual documents. Make sure you’re familiar with the key terms and conditions relevant to the role, and be ready to discuss how you've managed contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
This role requires strong commercial awareness and an understanding of business principles. Prepare examples of how you've identified and mitigated commercial risks in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge to support the company’s objectives.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
You’ll be the commercial face of the organisation, so it’s crucial to show that you can build relationships with both internal teams and external customers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think of examples where your communication skills have led to successful outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience with dispute resolution and problem-solving. Prepare specific examples where you’ve successfully navigated challenges in contract management, and highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure while collaborating with others.