Contracting & Commercial Manager

Job DescriptionSmiths Detection is seeking an experienced and versatile Contracting & Commercial Manager (CM) to join our Programme Excellence Centre (PEC) and support a diverse commercial portfolio across the APAC region. This is an embedded commercial role responsible for the commercial management of bids, contract negotiation, and end-to-end contract lifecycle management across a portfolio of projects and programmes. The CM plays a key role in maximising revenue and margin while ensuring strong governance, risk mitigation, and customer satisfaction. Operating within the PEC Contracting & Commercial Capability Framework, this role is critical to driving best-in-class commercial outcomes through disciplined processes, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a developing role, the CM will receive regular support and guidance from a Senior Commercial Manager or the SCM&C Capability Lead. Key Responsibilities Contracting & Commercial Governance • Operate in full alignment with the PEC Contracting & Commercial Capability Framework • Apply standardized contract management processes tailored to local portfolio needs • Ensure compliance with Smiths Detection policies, customer requirements, internal governance, and delegation of authority • Promote strong contract lifecycle management, commercial discipline, and risk mitigation practices Tenders, Bids & Programme Execution • Support and lead contract negotiations with customers across airports, critical infrastructure, ports and borders, defence, and related organisations • Take accountability for the commercial performance of contracts, driving revenue, margin, and cash flow • Identify, assess, and manage commercial and contractual risks, ensuring appropriate pricing and protections • Lead commercial change management, including pricing, negotiation of terms, and contract amendments • Work closely with project delivery teams to ensure understanding and compliance with contractual obligations • Draft and issue RFPs and contracts to sub-contractors • Support RFQs, bid responses, and winning proposals, managing stakeholder engagement and approvals • Act as the primary point of contact for contract administration and commercial correspondence • Monitor customer and subcontractor performance to proactively manage and resolve commercial issues • Manage commercial flow-down requirements to sub-contractors, including performance, financial, and security obligations Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration • Partner closely with sales, legal, procurement, finance, IP, and project delivery teams • Provide commercial guidance throughout the project/programme lifecycle • Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen negotiation strategies and outcomes • Protect value while supporting customer satisfaction and delivery excellence People, Capability & Continuous Improvement • Promote disciplined programme management and commercial best practices • Mentor and support members of the Commercial team to build capability • Apply lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives • Use commercial analytics and reporting tools to monitor and improve performance • Support global PEC transformation and business change initiatives Policies, Ethics & Compliance • Ensure compliance with Ethics, Security, Health, Safety, and Environment policies • Maintain accurate, auditable commercial records • Proactively develop knowledge of company policies, procedures, and processes Qualifications Education & Professional Certification • Internationally recognised qualification in Commercial or Contract Management (or a development plan in place to achieve this) – essential • Degree (HND minimum) in Business, Law, Project Management, or similar – desirable. • Professional body membership (e.g., RICS) – desirable Knowledge • Contract law, risk management, and negotiation principles • Contract lifecycle management and commercial analytics • Project management methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile) • Export control regulations (desirable) • Defence contracting frameworks and DEFCONs (where applicable) • Awareness of integrated, technology-based sensor systems in complex infrastructure environments Skills & Experience • Proven experience in contract and commercial management within complex organisations • Experience with high-tech industrial equipment supply into large infrastructure projects • Exposure to partnerships, channels, and subcontract commercial management • Familiarity with standard contract forms (e.g., NEC3, IET MF/1) • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and seniority levels • Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented • Comfortable managing ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities in fast-paced environments Competencies • Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and commercial acumen • Ability to influence without authority in matrix and multicultural environments • Passion for governance, ethics, and continuous improvement • Resilient, adaptable, and delivery-focused