Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
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 standardised 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.
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 organised, 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.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)
