At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global contract management excellence and drive best practices across the organisation.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a leader in security and threat detection technology.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, inclusive environment, flexible benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safety, wellbeing, and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape contract management in a global tech firm making the world safer.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management leadership and complex service contracts.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place.
Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,500 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced commercial and contracts leader to establish and lead our global Contracts Excellence function.
This is a strategically important leadership role responsible for driving best practice, governance, capability development and continuous improvement across contract management activities globally.
A significant focus of the role will be supporting our growing aftermarket, service, support and managed service businesses, ensuring commercial value is maximised throughout the contract lifecycle while maintaining strong governance, risk management and customer relationships.
Working across seven international market regions, you will act as the global owner of contract management excellence, partnering with commercial, programme, service, legal and finance teams to strengthen commercial discipline, improve contract performance and enhance customer outcomes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Establish and lead the global Contracts Excellence function.
- Define and deploy best practice contract management frameworks, standards and methodologies.
- Build a consistent global approach to contract lifecycle management.
- Develop governance, assurance and performance management processes.
- Act as the subject matter expert on contract management strategy, governance and commercial risk.
- Drive Aftermarket & Service Contract Excellence
- Support and improve management of complex aftermarket, support and service agreements.
• Develop frameworks covering
- Managed services
- Maintenance contracts
- Service agreements
- Framework agreements
- Long-term support arrangements
- Renewals and extensions
- Service level agreements
- Change management
- Improve contractual performance and customer value across service portfolios.
- Support regional teams managing customer-facing service contracts.
- Partner Across Global Programmes
- Bring consistency across programme and service contract management.
- Support commercial governance throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Improve visibility of contractual risks, obligations and opportunities.
- Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement.
- Develop Capability Across the Business
- Build a global community of contract management professionals.
- Mentor, coach and support regional teams.
- Develop tools, templates and playbooks.
- Promote commercial and contractual best practice across the organisation.
What We're Looking For
We're particularly interested in candidates who have built their careers within B2B service, aftermarket, support or contract management environments.
You will likely bring experience from sectors such as
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Security
- Technology
- Infrastructure
- Transportation
- Utilities
Why Join Smiths Detection?
This is a unique opportunity to shape how contract management is delivered across a global technology business operating at the forefront of security, defence, aviation and critical infrastructure.
You'll have the opportunity to build a truly global centre of excellence, influence senior stakeholders across the organisation and drive measurable improvements in commercial performance, contractual governance and customer outcomes.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in contract management leadership within a multinational organisation.
- Strong experience managing complex aftermarket, service, support or managed service contracts.
- Experience across the full contract lifecycle from negotiation through delivery, change management and renewal.
- Commercial governance and contract management framework development experience.
- Experience leading contract management teams and developing capability across organisations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience working within international B2B customer environments.
- Highly Desirable
- Experience supporting both service contracts and major programme contracts.
- Commercial or legal background.
- Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) framework implementation experience.
- Defence, aviation, security screening or critical infrastructure experience.
- Experience leading commercial transformation initiatives.
- Additional Information
Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally.
You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing.
You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial andlifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Contracts Excellence in Hemel Hempstead employer: Smiths Detection
At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Commercial Finance Director in our Global Services division, you will benefit from unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development, while working alongside senior leadership and diverse teams in a global setting. Our commitment to employee well-being and career advancement makes us a rewarding place to build your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contracts Excellence in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Contracts Excellence at Smiths Detection!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Smiths Detection or be willing to refer you for that Head of Contracts Excellence position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Smiths Detection who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Contracts Excellence star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Contracts Excellence role at Smiths Detection!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Excellence in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Smiths Detection. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Detection
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Smiths Detection. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
