At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management and negotiations with government and international partners.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm dedicated to innovative solutions in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, private healthcare, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while managing complex contracts.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in contract management with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and relocation assistance available.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a Commercial Contracts Manager to manage our commercial and contractual frameworks, ensuring contracts are robust, compliant, and value driven. This newly created role manages complex contracts with government agencies, defence primes, and international partners balancing profitability, risk, and strict regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate blends commercial pragmatism, legal discipline, and defence-sector awareness to drive success in a highly scrutinized environment. This role can be based in Great Yarmouth or Milton Keynes. The role covers our EMEIA and SSIA divisions.
What You’ll Do- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with government bodies, prime contractors, and subcontractors.
- Ensure compliance with MOD DEFCONs, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other export control regulations.
- Interpret and implement complex contract provisions around delivery milestones, pricing adjustments, intellectual property, and offset obligations.
- Identify and mitigate contractual, financial, export, and reputational risks associated with defence contracts.
- Oversee the full contract lifecycle—from bid support to closeout—balancing profitability, risk, and regulatory requirements.
- Implement performance monitoring systems for contractual obligations and commercial KPIs.
- Partner with Legal, Finance, and Programme teams to shape commercially viable strategies.
- Provide commercial input to bids and proposals, balancing competitiveness with risk exposure.
- Evaluate pricing models, cost-plus structures, fixed-price, and incentive-based contracts.
- Champion digital transformation in contract management, embedding automation and secure workflows.
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, or Engineering (LLB, MBA, or CIPS certification advantageous).
- 7+ years’ experience in commercial or contract management within defence, aerospace, or security.
- Strong knowledge of defence contracting standards and export control frameworks e.g. DEFCON, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR.
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-party agreements and negotiate under pressure.
- Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Excellent knowledge of export control, offset, and compliance frameworks.
- Strategic thinker with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Solid financial literacy.
- SC cleared or ability to obtain.
- Ability to travel to Spectrum Control sites and other locations as required.
- Flexible working practices – we work a 9-day fortnight, offer flexitime, and work a half day Friday.
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Health cash plan – cash back for everyday health expenses.
- Private healthcare.
- Pension scheme with 6% employer contributions.
- Life assurance – 4 x annual salary.
- Reward and recognition platform.
- Discount platform – retail, leisure, gym discounts and more.
- Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling services.
- Support for further training and education.
- Relocation assistance up to £8,000 if you relocate to take up a position with us.
Commercial Contracts Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Spectrum Control Inc.
Contact Detail:
Spectrum Control Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Contracts Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in contract management. Tailor your responses to highlight your skills in managing complex contracts and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of negotiation, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and conditions during interviews.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Contracts Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex contracts and your knowledge of defence contracting standards. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and strategic thinking. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience in commercial or contract management within the defence sector. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve navigated complex agreements and managed risks in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spectrum Control Inc.
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be dealing with, especially those related to government and defence. Brush up on MOD DEFCONs, FAR/DFARS, and ITAR/EAR regulations, as these will likely come up during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed complex agreements. Highlight your ability to balance profitability and risk while ensuring compliance. This will demonstrate your practical experience and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with various teams, such as Legal and Finance, in previous roles. Share specific instances where your stakeholder engagement led to successful outcomes, showcasing your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Embrace Digital Transformation
Since the role involves championing digital transformation in contract management, come prepared with ideas on how automation and secure workflows can enhance efficiency. This shows you're forward-thinking and aligned with the company's goals.