Senior Contracts Manager at Leonardo in Yeovil

Job description

Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to join our team, ideally bringing a strong background in defence commercial environments and familiarity with Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracting. Your impact In this role, you will take a lead on contract management and proposal activities for our Wildcat and Merlin helicopter platforms. Your expertise will ensure our business objectives are successfully met while remaining fully aligned with contractual provisions and company policies. You’ll manage the full lifecycle of contracts—ranging from newly established agreements to existing portfolios, and covering everything from low-value orders to high-value programs. Partnering closely with various business functions across the Helicopter division you will also build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with our customers to effectively facilitate both pre- and post-contract management What you’ll do as a Senior Contracts Manager: Draft, prepare and when required present internal approvals, contracts and other agreements Support and lead as required the provision of customer proposals and contract amendments Execute all commercial aspects of the contract Monitor and report the progress of key contract obligations, including contract deliverables and cash Proactively resolve contract issues and provide contract advice to internal functions Contribute to the identification and resolution of contract risks and opportunities and business improvement/transformation initiatives In addition to your direct reports, you will provide support to other members of the contract management team What you’ll bring Competent in understanding and interpreting contracts with an enhanced working knowledge of all contract terms Have an enhanced understanding of the costing and pricing processes and mechanisms and be able to formulate prices for proposals within a delegated authority Have good verbal and written communication skills appropriate for role, with clear capability to construct and communicate information concisely and effectively. Be confident in presenting to peers, internally and externally. Be capable of leading and prioritising the work of you and your team in a hybrid working environment Be capable of identifying and implementing business improvement/transformation initiatives including cross functional activities Be educated to degree standard in an appropriate subject (business/engineering/English/psychology) with demonstrable commercial aptitude based on previous experience or a person with demonstrable specialist commercial aptitude based on previous experience in a business environment. This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn. Security Clearance This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting Why join us At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive. Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year. Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclu