Contract Manager - Defence Armour and Vehicles

Job Title:
Contract / Commercial Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Appointment
Location:
Coventry, UK
Core Hours:
08:
00-16:
35 (Mon–Thu) 08:
00-15:
10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type:
Full-time, Fixed Term (12 months Maternity Cover) and Hybrid
Salary:
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum (subject to experience)
JOB SUMMARY
We have an exciting opportunity for a Contract / Commercial Manager to join our team at NP Aerospace for 12 months to cover a period of maternity leave.
Are you a Contract / Commercial Manager who can provide comprehensive pre and post contract support and guidance, focusing primarily on the UK market with limited involvement in export markets? Can you draft, review, and execute various commercial agreements and manage complex customer contracts and subcontracts? Ensuring business adherence, governance, and compliance is a key aspect of this role.
This position offers a unique chance to oversee a wide range of commercial responsibilities and lead a small team of commercial professionals. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to contribute to a company that designs, manufactures, and integrates advanced protective products, this is the role for you!
If you are ready to contribute to our mission of excellence in safeguarding lives, we look forward to seeing your CV!​
Do you want to know more about NP Aerospace? Visit our LinkedIn page and NPA Careers Page to find out more about us!
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are seeking an individual with a keen attention to detail and a reasoning mind, capable of building effective relationships and communicating efficiently at all levels. The ideal candidate is a determined and competent negotiator who can quickly learn and solve problems.
Self-motivation and the ability to set priorities and work independently are essential. Strong planning and organisational skills, along with a thorough and methodical approach to tasks, are crucial for success in this role.​
Please Note:
This is a hybrid role. You will be mainly based on-site with home working available when suitable and with manager approval.
BENEFITS​
Discretionary Half Year Bonus
Hybrid working (based on-site with some hybrid working as and when required)
Flexible start and finish working hours (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadets to attend yearly training/camp.
Paid leave for employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined
Life Cover – 3 x base salary
BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan
JOB DUTIES
• To support the full project lifecycle, including Request for Information/Pre-Qualification Questionnaires, Tendering process, Contract Award, Contract change, Contract Performance and Contract Closure, as required for Military contracts across the UK and overseas.
• Managing a small commercial team and assisting where required in terms of departmental metrics/reporting, training, and weekly review of commercial actions and allocation accordingly.
• To provide day-to-day commercial and/or contract management on major defence contracts, including being the main point of contact commercially.
• To support the corporate development team in activities such as negotiating contracts and agreements.
• To support the sales team to develop commercial input into bids and proposals for issue and presentation to customers.
• Responsible for commercial negotiations and closure of contracts between NPA, its customers and/or key subcontractors.
• To ensure flow down of prime contractual obligations to its key supply chain.
• To report on commercial opportunities and risks and develop commercial strategies to address such opportunities and risks.
• Attend customer / subcontractor meetings, to represent the commercial department, as required.
• Providing guidance on any commercial / legal issues and advising the wider business on internal commercial governance.
• Ensuring business compliance in accordance with all laws and regulations.
• To support the sales team in all commercial aspects relating to its ‘Representatives’ network, this includes drafting and / or review, negotiation and execution of distributor, reseller, and agent agreements.
EXPERIENCE​
• Considerable experience in a commercial / legal / contract management role, in either defence or a highly regulated environment.
• A general understanding of import / export regulations is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience in evaluating, drafting, negotiating, closing, and managing the legal, commercial, and contractual aspects of complex contracts.
• Experience of contracting with/purchasing from prime defence or highly regulated contractors.
• Experience of establishing / managing strategic relationships.
WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.
Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
​Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
Data Privacy:
NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace