Contract Manager

Job Advert

Contract Manager - Defence

Reports To: Sales & Strategy Director, Defence

Department: Defence

Hours of work: Full time - 39 hours

About Analox

Analox is a well established global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of complex gas sensing products and systems. Our equipment is used across a diverse range of markets and applications such as submarines, space, beverage and deep sea diving. We have 112 people. Analox operates from a purpose built 15,000 sq ft factory and offices in Stokesley Business Park, North Yorkshire, and from a remotely based sales and sales support team as well as a distribution centre in Houston, Texas.

Analox is known for its positive and supportive work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and collaboration. We are a world leading provider of gas monitoring solutions, providing employees with an opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technology in ever‑changing environments and make an impact in growing industries.

Analox is proud to have achieved Net Zero in our manufacturing operations, with all the energy required to make our products sourced from renewable means: our on‑site solar panels generate more power than we consume (with surplus exported back to the National Grid), and any shortfall is covered by imported electricity from the National Grid, purchased exclusively from certified renewable sources at a premium to guarantee sustainability.

We truly believe that our people are what makes Analox great. We invest heavily in employee training and development and provide opportunities for career advancement, helping team members to excel and thrive in their chosen path.

Analox has a diverse and talented team of employees who work together to drive success, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment, if you would like to be a part of this please look at our current vacancies below.

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Contract Manager will be responsible for the end‑to‑end management of complex commercial contracts within a highly regulated defence environment. This includes contract negotiation, administration, compliance, and performance management, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements.

In addition to supporting future contract acquisition through participation in bids.

The role will involve working with internal stakeholders, suppliers, customers and government bodies, including organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, ensuring contracts are delivered effectively, compliantly, and with appropriate risk control.

Main Responsibilities

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

• Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, implementation, and close‑out
• Ensure all contractual obligations are clearly defined, communicated, and adhered to
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and records
• Manage a portfolio of contracts maintaining visibility of key risks, commercial performance and contract milestones.

COMMERCIAL & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

• Own the commercial position across assigned contracts and bids
• Define negotiation strategy aligned to business objectives (risk, margin, growth)
• Balance contractual risk against commercial opportunity
• Act as the primary commercial interface with the customer
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting related to contracts

NEGOTIATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• Lead negotiation of contract terms, conditions, and pricing structures
• Manage redlining and contract structuring (with legal support where required)
• Ensure contracts are:
  • Commercially viable
  • Operationally deliverable
  • Legally compliant
• Drive timely contract closure

COMPLIANCE & GOVERNANCE

• Ensure contracts comply with applicable legislation, procurement frameworks, and regulations.
• Maintain audit‑ready documentation and support internal/external audits.
• Adhere to organisational governance and approval processes.

CONTRACT PERFORMANCE & CHANGE MANAGEMENT

• Oversee commercial performance of live contracts
• Manage:
  • Variations / change orders
  • Claims and disputes
  • Contract amendments
• Ensure commercial protections are enforced during delivery
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs)
• Produce regular reports on contract performance, risks, and opportunities
• Escalate issues proactively and recommend corrective actions

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders
• Act as a key point of contact for contractual matters – acting as the bridge between sales, legal and delivery
• Influence and advise stakeholders on contract risks and obligations

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks
• Escalate non‑standard or high risk issues to Legal Council or Sales Director where appropriate
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Internal governance
  • Regulatory and defence requirements
• Support internal approvals and risk sign‑off
• Support business continuity through proactive contract management

Bid Support (Commercial Lead)

• Provide commercial input into bids and tenders
• Shape:
  • Pricing strategy (with finance/pricing support)
  • Commercial models
  • Risk positions
• Review and approve contractual elements of bid submissions
• Ensure proposed contract terms are viable, compliant, and aligned with company standards

Health and Safety

Proactively promote a culture of safety by taking ownership and encouraging others to do the same. Lead by example by consistently adhering to and championing safety practices and policies. Support 5S initiatives and maintain high housekeeping standards. Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and root cause analyses as needed to ensure a safe and organized work environment.

Equality and Diversity

Analox are committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy which affirms that all staff should be afforded equality of treatment and opportunity in employment irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All staff are required to observe this policy in their behaviour to other employees and service users.

Analox Values

At Analox, our values, Teamwork, Commitment to Excellence, Customer Focus, Pride, Integrity, and Boldness, are at the heart of everything we do, guiding how we work together, innovate, and serve our customers.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications: Essentials

• Degree qualified (law, business)

Skills/Experience: Essentials

• Solid understanding of Legal terminology
• 3 years contract management experience with a strong understanding of commercial principles, pricing structures and risk allocation.
• Proven experience managing complex contracts within a regulated environment (defence, public sector, or similar)
• Strong understanding of contract law, commercial principles, and risk allocation
• Experience in contract negotiation and customer management
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines

Desirable

• Contracting in the Defence sector with organisations like MoD, BAE
• Experience of Qualifying Defence contracts & Qualifying Sub Contracts
• IACCM Practitioner / Advanced Practitioner
• Understanding of government procurement processes
• Knowledge/ experience of the application of AI tools within contracting to increase efficiency

Security Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (e.g. SC)
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and handling sensitive information

Personal Attributes: Essentials

• Personable
• Attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture
• Commercial acumen
• Strong ethical judgement and integrity
• Resilience and composure under pressure
• Good listener
• Curious and problem solver
• Team player
• Ownership & accountability
• Regulatory & risk awareness mindset
• Adaptable
• Demonstrable experience negotiating contract terms to achieve favourable outcomes
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, adapting style to suit different audiences

If you have a disability and have any special requirements that impact on your ability to meet any of the essential criteria please contact a member of the HR team.

Please note - we do not offer sponsorship or working visas.

Company Benefits

• 32 day’s annual leave (increasing to 37 with service) including 8 public holidays - plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Birthday holiday
• Christmas Eve holiday
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and GP24 Service
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Group Life Insurance
• Profit share scheme
• Enhanced sick leave (after probationary period)
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Early finish on Fridays
• CPD support and annual subscription to appropriate body covered
• Talent Hunter Referral Bounty £1K
• Free parking

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