Role: Commercial Contracts Manager
Location: Bristol
Working Pattern: Onsite 4 days/week, Fridays from home
Salary: Competitive + Guaranteed Bonus (£12,000/year)
Benefits: Profit share bonus, support for professional qualifications
Security Clearance: Must be a British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship
Bonus Structure: A percentage of net profit is distributed to employees. For example, a Project Manager might receive 0.050%, equating to £12,000 this year.
About the Company
Join a fast-growing Bristol-based engineering and defence SME delivering complex manufacturing and mission-critical services to clients including Rolls Royce and the MoD. Recent contract wins are fuelling expansion, and the team is seeking a Commercial Contracts Manager to help shape its next phase.
The Opportunity
As Commercial Contracts Manager, you’ll lead the full lifecycle of domestic commercial contracts—from negotiation and execution through to delivery and closeout. This role is ideal for someone with a defence sector background and a strong grasp of contract governance, risk, and compliance.
You’ll be part of a small, agile team where your impact is visible and valued. The company fosters an inclusive culture built on integrity, merit, and innovation, and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds who bring passion and fresh thinking.
Key Responsibilities
• Contract Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement commercial strategies across support contracts.
• Negotiation & Pricing: Lead negotiations, pricing activities, and risk assessments to support organic and new growth.
• Lifecycle Management: Oversee amendments, renewals, deliverables, and closeouts while ensuring compliance and performance.
• Bid & Proposal Support: Coordinate cross-functional teams to generate proposals and negotiate bespoke terms.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks including ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary contact for internal and external contract matters.
• Reporting & Risk: Provide contract status updates to senior leadership and proactively manage risks.
• Dispute Resolution: Collaborate with legal and project teams to resolve contractual issues.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor commercial staff across multiple contracts.
What We’re Looking For
• Experience managing contracts in matrix organisations
• Strong commercial acumen and market awareness
• Skilled in drafting, negotiating, and finalising contracts
• Proven ability to manage multiple contracts in a fast-paced environment
• Track record in proposal development and business growth
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with MoD contracting structures (DEFCONs, QDCs) preferred
• Background in both public and private sector contracting
Qualifications
We welcome candidates with or working towards:
• MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply)
• IACCM (International Association for Contract and Commercial Management)
• PGCCM (Postgraduate Certificate in Commercial Management)