Contracts Manager

ref: TRL0290  Department: Commercial

Summary of Position

To safeguard the company’s interests in all aspects of commercial/contracts management lifecycle. Negotiate contracts/agreements and provide commercial knowledge and guidance to TRL staff.

Main duties of this position

• Within delegated authority limits, develop and negotiate contracts (working with Sales and Marketing, Project Management and Procurement) to obtain the best possible commercial arrangement without compromising business objectives.
• Draft and vet teaming agreements, non disclosure agreements and other related agreements.
• Minimise short and long term business risks.
• Provide the TRL management and staff with professional commercial advice on all aspects of commercial contracts, and supply contracts
• Manage the complete contracting process from the point of opportunity identification (pre RFP/ITT) through signature of contracts to contract closure, ensuring TRL meets all its customer contractual obligations.
• Work with the Subcontract Manager and Procurement Manager to ensure subcontractors/suppliers meet their commercial/contractual obligations and provide contract management guidance / advice / support to the staff and management as required.
• Plan and lead, as appropriate, the conduct of commercial negotiations, at both pre and post tender stages, working as part of a multi-disciplined team.
• Provide support and guidance to other members of the commercial team to help in their development and understanding of commercial and contractual risk.
• Maintain close understanding of the business strategy and match to the  commercial approach.
• Identify key dependencies between suppliers and/or contracts, and ensure that necessary contractual and operational management arrangements are in place
• Assist in the ongoing development of the Commercial Department processes ensuring that they incorporate best practice and include performance measurement.
• Contribute as necessary to the continuous improvement of TRL standard contracts and sub-contracts to suite the individual customer or vendor needs.
• Prepare departmental submission for the Phase Review Process.         

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge

• Working knowledge and first hand experience of contract law
  Good knowledge of defence related contracts, preferably in both the UK and overseas.
• A detailed knowledge of DEFCONs, DEFFORMS Guidelines For Industry (GFI), and MOD Commercial Policy
• General knowledge of the electronics and communications industries, preferably Military or Government oriented would be an advantage

Skills

• Proven negotiating skills
• Recognition of commercial risk.
• A bright, outgoing and enthusiastic person.
• A professional attitude.
• Team orientated.
• The ability to work unsupervised but with direction.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literate.
• Customer aware and focused.
• Ability to communicate well both written and orally.
• Adaptable and flexible.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in reviewing and negotiating contract terms and conditions within a commercial environment.
• Experience of drafting, vetting and negotiating contracts and other required technical schedules and documentation.
• Experience of managing customer contracts and/or subcontractor contracts.

Special Features

• Respect for others
• Good influencing skills
• Encourages and fosters teamwork
• Gently assertive
• Structured
• Attention to detail
• Flexible and adaptable
• Self starter able to work on own initiative

To apply for the position above contact us at personnel.trl@l-3com.com.