Senior Contracts Manager

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site in either Belfast or Crawley

We are seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to provide expert commercial and contractual leadership across bids and contract delivery within IAS UK. This role is critical to enabling the business to win new work, negotiate robust contracts and manage contractual risk throughout the delivery lifecycle. You will work closely with bid, project and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor on commercial strategy while ensuring obligations are met and opportunities maximised.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare (grade dependent)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

• You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS)

Our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.

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Main Responsibilities:

• Lead contractual input across bids and projects, supporting negotiation strategy and contract formation.

• Provide expert commercial advice on terms and conditions, risks, liabilities and opportunities.

• Manage change control, claims and disputes, working with legal and senior stakeholders to protect business interests.

• Oversee financial instruments such as Letters of Credit, bank guarantees and other trade finance arrangements.

• Drive compliance with contract governance, processes and delegation of authority requirements.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Strong background in contract and commercial management, ideally within complex or regulated environments.

• Proven experience negotiating customer contracts and managing contracts through delivery.

• Solid understanding of contractual risk, change management, claims and dispute resolution.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including exposure to international contracting and trade finance.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.

Security Clearance Requirement:

UK Eyes Only:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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