Contracts Manager in Crawley

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

We are looking for a Contracts Manager to join our established Commercial team within our A2IS business, based in Crawley. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of high-value contracts and bids, working with customers including the UK Ministry of Defence, leading UK prime contractors, international organisations and overseas governments. You’ll play a key role throughout the full contract lifecycle, from capture and bid through to negotiation, contract award, delivery and closure, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders across the business.

As our business continues to grow rapidly, you’ll have excellent opportunities to develop your commercial expertise, take on increased responsibility and progress your career within a dynamic and supportive environment.

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (A2IS)

Our purpose is to protect and defend, creating integrated solutions that bring together insight, coordination and decisive action. We respond rapidly with systems that support detection, fire control, engagement and mission sustainment. Our expertise covers Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International), Air Operations & Services, and Space.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of contracts and bids throughout the full contract lifecycle, from capture and proposal development through to delivery and contract closure.
• Establish and maintain strong customer commercial relationships, ensuring commercial considerations are embedded across capture, bid and delivery activities.
• Draft, review, assess and negotiate contracts, proposals, quotations, amendments, orders and terms and conditions in line with agreed strategy and customer requirements.
• Own contractual baselines and change management, ensuring contractual compliance and providing proactive commercial guidance to integrated bid and project teams.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risk, including contractual, liability and pricing risks, while providing commercial influence across multidisciplinary teams to support successful business outcomes.

Ideal Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in contract management across both pre-award and post-award phases, with strong contract, letter and proposal drafting and assessment skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to identify contractual, commercial and compliance issues and develop appropriate solutions.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience of risk management, liability assessment and pricing.
• A collaborative team player and confident communicator, able to build effective customer relationships and influence stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, self-starting approach with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to balance strategic commercial thinking with a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach.

Security Clearance Requirement

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.

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