Job Description

Smiths 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