Senior Contracts Manager

Overview

In this role you will manage and influence bids and contracts within Thales UK’s Defence Commercial, Legal & Contracts team. You will shape commercial propositions for major opportunities and provide guidance on risks, liabilities, and contractual changes. Working with cross-functional and external partners, you’ll support negotiations and ensure sound contract management across UK and international deals. This position offers hybrid work in Belfast and the chance to impact mission-critical defence projects.

Pay / Benefits

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Volunteering paid time
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme

Responsibilities

• Advise on commercial issues, risks, liabilities, and opportunities across relationships, bids, and projects
• Develop commercial propositions for major win campaigns
• Support senior management in commercial negotiations with customers, partners, and third parties
• Provide bid and project teams with costings and guidance on Direct Selling Costs (e.g., Credit Insurance, Bank Guarantees, Letters of Credit)
• Respond to customer contractual proposals and changes; assist in negotiation and approval processes
• Identify and manage issues and disputes with customers in collaboration with the Legal function

Key requirements

• Commercial background with contract/risk management experience
• Experience in complex, multi-site organisations
• Multi-disciplinary qualifications (e.g., LLB, Engineering, Finance, Programme Delivery) advantageous
• Strong relationship-building across all levels
• Analytical and written skills with ability to understand pricing and risk mitigation

• Relationship management
• Analytical thinking
• Negotiation
• Contract management
• Commercial negotiations
• Risk assessment

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