Contracting & Commercial Manager
Company Description
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
Job Opportunity
- Opportunity to join as a Commercial / Contracts professional supporting complex, high-value projects within a technical and infrastructure-driven environment.
- Key role driving contract governance, risk management, and commercial outcomes across large-scale programs and partnerships.
- Work in a matrix, global environment interacting with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
What you will be doing
- Manage end-to-end contract lifecycle including drafting, review, negotiation, and execution
- Provide commercial guidance on risk management, contract terms, and negotiation strategies
- Support large infrastructure or high-tech equipment projects from a contractual and commercial standpoint
- Work closely with project, legal, sales, and supply chain teams to ensure contractual compliance
- Manage subcontractors, partnerships, and commercial agreements
- Ensure adherence to governance, regulatory, and export control requirements
- Analyse commercial performance using data and contract analytics
- Apply project management frameworks (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile) in contract delivery
- Support continuous improvement in contract management processes and governance standards
- Engage stakeholders across functions and seniority levels to drive decision-making
Qualifications
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in contract and commercial management within complex organisations
- Strong knowledge of contract law, risk management, and negotiation principles
- Experience managing contracts in high-tech or infrastructure project environments
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management and commercial analytics
- Exposure to partnerships, subcontract management, and supplier agreements
- Strong communication and influencing skills across cross-functional teams
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and work effectively in fast-paced environments
- Strong commercial acumen with a governance and compliance mindset
- Resilient, adaptable, and delivery-focused approach
Nice to have:
- Internationally recognised qualification in Commercial or Contract Management
- Degree in Business, Law, Project Management, or related field
- Professional body membership (e.g., RICS)
- Familiarity with NEC3, IET MF/1, or similar contract frameworks
- Understanding of export control regulations and defence contracting frameworks
- Experience with integrated technology systems in complex infrastructure environments
- Knowledge of project/programme delivery methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile)
- Experience working in global, matrixed organisations
Additional Information
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.