Contract Manager

Position: Contract Manager (Contract)
Copello are seeking two experienced Contract Managers to support complex business-to-business civil contracting and US Government military contracting activities. The roles will provide commercial and contractual leadership across multiple businesses and product lines, managing contracts through the full lifecycle — from proposal strategy and contract formation through execution, sustainment, and close-out.

The Contract Managers will act as trusted advisors to internal stakeholders and external customers, providing guidance on customer relationships, contract terms, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and scope management in a highly regulated defence environment.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage contracts across the full contract lifecycle, from proposal strategy and bid support through award, execution, sustainment, and close-out

* Support pre- and post-contract award activities, including proposal reviews, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations

* Act as the primary commercial interface for civil customers and US Government military clients

* Provide expert guidance on contract terms and conditions, regulatory obligations, and commercial risk

* Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and applicable UK and international contracting regulations

* Assess, interpret, and apply FAR & DFARS requirements, including flow-down and compliance obligations

* Oversee contract performance across multiple businesses and product lines, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational objectives

* Lead and support negotiations, contract changes, and scope management activities

* Manage commercial issues, including change management, claims preparation, disputes, and resolution

* Identify and mitigate contractual, financial, and regulatory risks

* Maintain strong, professional customer relationships within a client-facing environment

* Collaborate closely with legal, finance, programme management, and operational teams

Essential Skills & Experience

* 3–5 years’ experience in contract management within civil, government, and/or international contracting environments

* Demonstrable experience supporting both commercial B2B contracts and government / military contracts

* Strong experience across pre- and post-award contract execution

* Proven capability in negotiation, management of commercial issues, and stakeholder engagement

* Experience handling change management, claims, and disputes

* Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management in complex, client-facing environments

* Ability to manage multiple priorities across diverse business units and product lines

Regulatory & Technical Expertise

* Strong working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

* Specific expertise in FAR Parts 12 and 15

* Experience assessing and applying FAR & DFARS requirements, including compliance and flow-down obligations

* Understanding of defence and government contracting compliance frameworks

Role will require 4 days on site and is paying an hourly rate of up to £80 per hour (inside IR35). Role is initially a 6 month contract