Because of the nature of the work associated with this post, it is subject to special nationality rules and is restricted to individuals who are UK British Nationals. For this role, due to government security requirements, the term "UK Nationals" excludes anyone who is a dual national or naturalised British citizen (that is, originally a foreign national).
We maintain a flexible working policy to allow for hybrid working when appropriate. Teams typically spend around 60% of their time in the office, although this may vary depending on project and business needs. At times you may need to attend the office up to 5 days per week. This role will also require some travel both within and outside the UK.
Commercial Contracts Manager
SeeByte, the global market leader in the development of smart software for uncrewed maritime systems, is looking to recruit a Commercial Contracts Manager to join our team in Edinburgh.
This is a very exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to play a key role in supporting some of the world's most advanced maritime autonomy programmes. Working closely with Business Development, Programme Management and Technical teams, you will help shape, negotiate and manage contracts that support critical customer missions across the US, UK and allied markets.
Why Join SeeByte?
As part of our team, you will work on meaningful commercial and engineering challenges across robotics and software that helps fleets of autonomous vehicles work together, helping our customers turn mission complexity into clear, actionable outcomes.
For more information about life at SeeByte, our employee benefits, culture, and recruitment process, please visit our Career Site
Main Purpose of the Role
This role will lead the full lifecycle of commercial activities across the US client portfolio at SeeByte. You will be responsible for a broad scope of contract management tasks on a complex multi-year framework agreement including but not limited to: preparing and administering proposals and task orders subject to US federal and defence acquisition requirements, managing the compliance obligations these bring, and keeping the certifications and reporting they demand in good order.
Experience of US government contracting is highly desirable for this role.A working knowledge of the federal and defence acquisition requirements and the confidence to apply them to live agreements from an early stage is essential. Candidates without US government contracting experience will be considered if able to demonstrate equivalent experience managing other government contracts and the ability to quickly adapt to a regulated environment.
This is a client facing role and candidates will require the confidence to communicate, build trust, and develop relationships with government clients.
The role focuses on converting agreed commercial positions into signed, compliant and effectively managed task orders, while supporting the growth of existing programmes through amendments, extensions, option exercises and change control.
Working within commercial frameworks established by the Head of Commercial, the successful candidate will negotiate and manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring contractual commitments, commercial objectives and delivery realities remain aligned.
Key Responsibilities
Manage in-life customer contracts, ensuring contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones and key dates are tracked and fulfilled.
Draft, negotiate and administer contract amendments, extensions, task orders and change controls within delegated authority levels.
Support the commercial growth of existing programmes by converting follow-on opportunities, scope changes and option exercises into executed contractual agreements.
Identify and manage commercial risks, including issues relating to scope, liability, payment terms and contractual performance.
Work closely with Programme Managers, Technical Leads and Business Development teams to ensure contractual commitments align with operational delivery.
Apply relevant defence procurement and acquisition requirements across your assigned portfolio.
Support export control compliance by ensuring contractual terms accurately reflect applicable licence and regulatory requirements.
Maintain effective commercial records, contractual documentation and reporting to support governance and compliance obligations.
Build strong relationships with customers, partners and internal stakeholders to support successful programme outcomes.
Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications
We recognise that great candidates may bring different combinations of skills and experience. If you meet many, but not all, of the criteria below, we encourage you to apply.
Essential
Experience managing commercial and contractual activities within a complex business environment.
Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, amendments and associated legal documentation.
Strong understanding of commercial risk management and contract administration.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and balance competing priorities.
Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Eligible to apply for UK Security Clearance.
Desirable
Experience working within Defence, Maritime, Aerospace or other highly regulated industries.
Experience contract managing a complex government framework agreement.
US government contracting experience or working knowledge of the US federal and defence acquisition regulations.
Knowledge of UK and international defence procurement and acquisition frameworks.
Degree in Law, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
Understanding of export control regulations and contractual implementation requirements.
Experience supporting government or international customer contracts.
Familiarity with programme delivery environments and managing commercial aspects of complex projects.
Building trust, collaboration and communication and influence are all important behaviours for this role.
You Will Stand Out If You
Are a commercially minded professional who is able to balance business objectives with customer needs and contractual obligations.
Take ownership and accountability for outcomes, using sound judgement to make well-informed decisions.
Build trusted relationships and work effectively with colleagues across technical, programme and business functions.
Bring a proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities, presenting practical solutions rather than simply highlighting issues.
Enjoy working in a fast-paced, innovative environment and are motivated by supporting technologies that solve real-world challenges.
At SeeByte, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and supporting employee wellbeing. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected]
All offers of employment will be conditional upon successful completion of a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) process and require Security Check (SC) clearance. To be eligible for full SC clearance, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last five years. In some circumstances, a minimum of three years' residence in the UK over the last five years may be accepted, subject to additional overseas checks.
As part of this process, SeeByte collects personal data as defined under UK GDPR, including proof of identity, nationality and immigration status, right to work in the UK, employment and/or academic references, and Basic Disclosure information relating to unspent criminal convictions. Please refer to our Privacy Notice for further information.
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