At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing contracts and driving innovative space projects.
- Company: Join SSTL, pioneers in the small satellite market with over 40 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a share incentive plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working after 6 months with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the space industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 15 years of contract management experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your Skills and Experiences
This role requires an effective and confident communicator with excellent analytical skills, capable of leading a small team.
About SSTL
Considered pioneers of the small satellite market and with more than 40 years of heritage, SSTL continually innovates space technologies, products and services and delivers space missions for a broad range of applications.
Key Tasks
- Organise day‑to‑day operations, support and share the team's work and goals.
- Prepare, negotiate and manage all SSTL contractual commitments relating to projects and new business, from acquisition to contract closure.
- Build and motivate the team, fostering a team‑player mentality.
- Provide coaching, training and mentoring where appropriate.
- Lead by example and provide a clear vision for the team.
Essential
- Minimum 15 years of demonstrated experience within the contractual field.
- Previous leadership experience, with a proven ability to mentor and develop colleagues.
- In‑depth knowledge of contract principles, drafting and interpretation.
- Experience identifying contractual risk and proposing effective mitigation strategies.
- Managing high‑value and complex proposals and contracts in the UK and for export.
- Negotiating high‑value contracts and amendments.
- Drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contractual documents such as NDAs, Licence Agreements, Heads of Agreement, Teaming Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
- UK MOD contracting experience, including single‑source contracts and implementing the Single Source Contracting Regulations.
- Awareness of potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity.
Desirable
- Degree level education.
- Experience in the space industry, including ESA or UKSA funding.
- Experience in US Department of Defense contracting.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence, persuade and negotiate with people at all levels.
- High degree of organisation, self‑motivation and initiative.
- Good team‑working skills and ability to interface with others at all levels.
- Strong presentation and customer‑facing skills.
- Results‑oriented with a drive to deliver.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Pro‑active and able to take initiative.
- Excellent planning and organising skills.
- Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects and autonomously.
- Decision‑making and creative problem‑solving skills.
- Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight time‑frames.
- Good knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Project.
- Demonstrated alignment with company values and behaviours; accountability, driver of delivery, effective communication, self‑management and teamwork.
Location
The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford, reporting to the Finance Director with two direct reports. The first 6 months will be on‑site full time; thereafter the role will be hybrid in accordance with SSTL’s Hybrid Working policy.
Benefits
- 32 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
- Private Medical & International Travel Insurance
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Share Incentive Plan
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents
- High Street Discount Scheme
- and many more.
Contracts Manager in Guildford employer: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
SSTL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Guildford, where innovation in space technology thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, SSTL provides extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for hybrid working, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Join a pioneering team that values integrity, teamwork, and the drive to deliver impactful solutions in the exciting field of small satellites.
Contact Details:
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Guildford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, confidence is key, so believe in yourself!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements and projects related to contract management. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results. This can really set you apart from other candidates!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 15+ years of experience in the contractual field. We want to see how you've led teams and managed high-value contracts, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application:Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use the same language and keywords we’ve used to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract principles and the specific types of agreements mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with NDAs, Licence Agreements, and other contractual documents, as well as any relevant UK MOD contracting experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully mentored colleagues or fostered a team-player mentality. Highlight how you can motivate and build a cohesive team.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your negotiation strategies, especially for high-value contracts. Prepare specific examples where you've identified risks and proposed effective mitigation strategies. This will show your analytical skills and ability to handle complex proposals.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess
As an effective communicator, you'll need to influence and persuade at all levels. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a past project to showcase your customer-facing skills and ability to deliver results under pressure.
