Contracts
Manager – Defence (116lw) North East UK (hybrid) - £45,000–£50,000 + Excellent
Benefits
We’re
working with a UK-based engineering and technology organisation operating in
highly regulated, safety-critical environments across global defence and
industrial markets.
They
are seeking a Contract Manager to take ownership of complex commercial
agreements across a growing portfolio of defence programmes. This is a key role
sitting between commercial, legal, and delivery teams, ensuring contracts are
robust, compliant, and commercially sound from start to finish.
This
opportunity is particularly well suited to ex-military professionals who have
experience in commercial, procurement, or operational roles involving
contracts, governance, or supplier/customer management.
You’ll
manage contracts end-to-end - from negotiation and award through to delivery
and close-out - ensuring commercial performance, compliance, and risk are
actively controlled throughout.
You’ll
also play a key role in supporting bids and tenders, shaping commercial
strategy and ensuring proposed contract terms are viable and aligned to
business objectives.
Key
Responsibilities include -
Contract
Management - Manage contracts across their full lifecycle (drafting,
negotiation, execution, and close-out)
Commercial
& Financial Oversight - own the commercial position across assigned
contracts. Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting. Balance
risk, margin, and growth objectives
Negotiation
& Governance - Lead negotiations on terms, pricing, and contract
structures. Support governance processes. Maintain compliance with relevant
legislation and procurement frameworks
Performance
& Risk Management - monitor contract performance, KPIs, and service levels.
Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks, escalate issues
proactively and recommend solutions
Stakeholder
Engagement - work closely with internal teams (sales, legal, engineering,
operations)
Build
effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and government stakeholders
Act
as the bridge between commercial intent and operational delivery
Bid
& Tender Support - Provide commercial input into bids and proposals. Shape
pricing strategies, commercial models, and risk positions Review and approve
contractual elements of submissions
This
role aligns well with experience gained in - Commercial / procurement roles
within defence, Logistics, supply chain, or equipment support roles, Staff
officer positions involving governance and oversight, Project or programme
management roles, Engineering or technical leadership roles with contractual
exposure. If you’re used to - managing
risk, compliance, and governance frameworks, working with multiple stakeholders
in complex environments, negotiating outcomes and balancing competing
priorities, delivering under pressure…your experience will transfer strongly
into this position.
What
We’re Looking For
Experience
in contract management or commercial roles
Background
in defence, public sector, engineering, or regulated environments
Strong
understanding of contractual principles, risk allocation, and negotiation
Ability
to manage multiple contracts and priorities effectively
Desirable
- Experience with defence contracting frameworks (e.g. MOD or equivalent),
Exposure
to bid/tender processes, Professional accreditation (e.g. IACCM / WorldCC or
similar)
Familiarity
with structured procurement environments
Must
be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Please
send a copy of your CV with a note outlining why this would be the ideal
opportunity for you, to Liz Walsh at Ex-Mil Recruitment Ltd or by email to liz@ex-mil.co.uk
https://www.ex-mil.co.uk/vacancies/8364/contracts-manager-defence