Interim Contract Manager CR/007413

Location: South Central England

Contract Duration: 4-6 months Inside IR35

Security Clearance: BPSS Required

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager to join a leading organisation operating within the defence and aerospace sector on an interim basis.

This is a hands-on position focused on managing complex supplier contracts, strengthening supplier relationships and ensuring contractual obligations are delivered effectively.

The successful candidate will take ownership of key supplier agreements, proactively manage commercial and contractual risks, and work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to drive improvements in cost, performance and service delivery.

We are particularly interested in individuals who are commercially astute, confident negotiators and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, from contractual drafting and negotiation through to ongoing contract administration and service delivery.
• Draft, review and negotiate contractual terms and conditions with key suppliers.
• Proactively manage supplier relationships, ensuring suppliers meet their contractual obligations and agreed performance standards.
• Identify and resolve supplier performance issues, negotiating improvements in commercial terms, service levels and delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, including attending supplier meetings and site visits where required.
• Monitor supplier performance, contractual risks and commercial commitments, maintaining accurate records and reporting.
• Ensure all contractual activities, amendments and supplier agreements are appropriately documented and managed.
• Take ownership of contractual queries and commercial issues, ensuring timely and professional resolution.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in Contract Management, Subcontract Management or a similar commercially focused procurement role.
• Strong contractual drafting and terms negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex, high-value supplier agreements.
• Excellent supplier relationship and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience managing supplier performance, resolving delivery issues and driving commercial improvements.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end contract management and contractual governance.
• Good analytical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and managing commercial data.
• A proactive, organised and professional approach, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, aviation, manufacturing or another complex engineering environment.

If you’d like to apply or would like some further information, please speak to Ben Sweeney at ben.sweeney@arguilesearch.com