At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and bids, ensuring compliance and maximising revenue across diverse projects.
- Company: Join Smiths Detection, a leader in innovative security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship from senior leaders.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of commercial excellence in a dynamic, high-tech industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced and versatile Contracting & Commercial Manager (CM) to join our Programme Excellence Centre (PEC) and support a diverse commercial portfolio across the APAC region. This is an embedded commercial role responsible for the commercial management of bids, contract negotiation, and end-to-end contract lifecycle management across a portfolio of projects and programmes. The CM plays a key role in maximising revenue and margin while ensuring strong governance, risk mitigation, and customer satisfaction. Operating within the PEC Contracting & Commercial Capability Framework, this role is critical to driving best‑in‑class commercial outcomes through disciplined processes, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a developing role, the CM will receive regular support and guidance from a Senior Commercial Manager or the SCM&C Capability Lead.
Key Responsibilities
- Contracting & Commercial Governance
- Operate in full alignment with the PEC Contracting & Commercial Capability Framework
- Apply standardized contract management processes tailored to local portfolio needs
- Ensure compliance with Smiths Detection policies, customer requirements, internal governance, and delegation of authority
- Promote strong contract lifecycle management, commercial discipline, and risk mitigation practices
- Tenders, Bids & Programme Execution
- Support and lead contract negotiations with customers across airports, critical infrastructure, ports and borders, defence, and related organisations
- Take accountability for the commercial performance of contracts, driving revenue, margin, and cash flow
- Identify, assess, and manage commercial and contractual risks, ensuring appropriate pricing and protections
- Lead commercial change management, including pricing, negotiation of terms, and contract amendments
- Work closely with project delivery teams to ensure understanding and compliance with contractual obligations
- Draft and issue RFPs and contracts to sub-contractors
- Support RFQs, bid responses, and winning proposals, managing stakeholder engagement and approvals
- Act as the primary point of contact for contract administration and commercial correspondence
- Monitor customer and subcontractor performance to proactively manage and resolve commercial issues
- Manage commercial flow‑down requirements to sub-contractors, including performance, financial, and security obligations
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Partner closely with sales, legal, procurement, finance, IP, and project delivery teams
- Provide commercial guidance throughout the project/programme lifecycle
- Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen negotiation strategies and outcomes
- Protect value while supporting customer satisfaction and delivery excellence
- People, Capability & Continuous Improvement
- Promote disciplined programme management and commercial best practices
- Mentor and support members of the Commercial team to build capability
- Apply lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Use commercial analytics and reporting tools to monitor and improve performance
- Support global PEC transformation and business change initiatives
- Policies, Ethics & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Ethics, Security, Health, Safety, and Environment policies
- Maintain accurate, auditable commercial records
- Proactively develop knowledge of company policies, procedures, and processes
Qualifications
- Education & Professional Certification
- Internationally recognised qualification in Commercial or Contract Management (or a development plan in place to achieve this) – essential
- Degree (HND minimum) in Business, Law, Project Management, or similar – desirable
- Professional body membership (e.g., RICS) – desirable
- Knowledge
- Contract law, risk management, and negotiation principles
- Contract lifecycle management and commercial analytics
- Project management methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile)
- Export control regulations (desirable)
- Defence contracting frameworks and DEFCONs (where applicable)
- Awareness of integrated, technology‑based sensor systems in complex infrastructure environments
- Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in contract and commercial management within complex organisations
- Experience with high‑tech industrial equipment supply into large infrastructure projects
- Exposure to partnerships, channels, and subcontract commercial management
- Familiarity with standard contract forms (e.g., NEC3, IET MF/1)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and seniority levels
- Highly organised, proactive, and detail‑oriented
- Comfortable managing ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities in fast‑paced environments
- Competencies
- Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and commercial acumen
- Ability to influence without authority in matrix and multicultural environments
- Passion for governance, ethics, and continuous improvement
- Resilient, adaptable, and delivery‑focused
Contracting & Commercial Manager employer: Smiths Detection
At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Contracting & Commercial Manager in the APAC region, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, with access to mentorship from experienced leaders and opportunities for continuous improvement. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with our focus on delivering best-in-class commercial outcomes, makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a cutting-edge industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracting & Commercial Manager
✨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 land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can contribute to their success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Contracting & Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracting & Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and commercial governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Skills:Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in contract negotiation and risk management. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past, so share those stories that show off your problem-solving abilities!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly 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 Smiths Detection
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in contract law and lifecycle management. Brush up on the specific types of contracts relevant to the role, like NEC3 or IET MF/1. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully maximised revenue or mitigated risks. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive commercial outcomes, as this is key for the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Framework
Familiarise yourself with Smiths Detection’s PEC Contracting & Commercial Capability Framework. Knowing how they operate will help you align your answers with their processes and show that you’re a good fit for their culture and expectations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with various teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed stakeholder engagement effectively, as this will be crucial in the Contracting & Commercial Manager position.
