At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and bids, ensuring compliance and maximising revenue across diverse projects.
- Company: Join Smiths Detection, a leader in innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and mentorship within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of commercial excellence in a dynamic, fast-paced 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
- 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 in London employer: Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the dynamic APAC region. Employees benefit from comprehensive support for professional growth, including mentorship from experienced leaders, while being part of a team dedicated to driving best-in-class commercial outcomes. With a strong emphasis on ethics, compliance, and continuous improvement, Smiths Detection offers a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of contract and commercial management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracting & Commercial Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Contracting & Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build 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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracting & Commercial Manager in London
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 Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong written and verbal communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
Highlight Your Experience:We’re looking for someone with proven experience in managing contracts within complex organisations. Be sure to include specific examples of your past roles, especially those that involved high-tech industrial equipment or large infrastructure projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Detection
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in contract management principles and the specific frameworks mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of contract lifecycle management and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful contract negotiations you've led. Highlight your strategies for managing risks and ensuring customer satisfaction, as this role heavily relies on strong negotiation skills and stakeholder engagement.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've maximised revenue and margin in previous positions. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, and show that you understand the importance of commercial discipline and governance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you’ve collaborated with various teams in the past. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively across functions and influenced decisions, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a matrix environment.
