Commercial Contracts

Job Title: Commercial Contracts & Grants Manager

Reports To: Head of Business Operations

Location: Warrington, London

Department: Business Operations

Job Summary:

The Commercial Contracts & Grants Manager is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing grant funding (including major innovation programs), as well as overseeing the negotiation, execution, and management of commercial contracts. This role is pivotal in supporting the company's growth, innovation, and operational excellence by ensuring robust funding streams and effective contract management.

Key Responsibilities:Grants Management:

• Identify and pursue relevant grant opportunities (e.g., EIC Accelerator, Innovate UK, etc.) that align with the company's strategic objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end grant application process: scoping opportunities, assembling documentation, coordinating internal/external stakeholders, and submitting applications on time.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of grant opportunities and ensure ongoing management and compliance for awarded grants.
• Prepare business cases, investment memoranda, and supporting financials for grant applications.
• Track and report on grant performance, ensuring all deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements are met.
• Work closely with technical and operational teams to ensure projects meet eligibility criteria (e.g., TRL levels, innovation requirements).
• Act as the main point of contact for grant agencies and funding bodies.

Commercial Contracts:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts with customers, partners, and suppliers.
• Support the business planning process by providing input on commercial contracts and grants.
• Ensure contracts are aligned with business objectives, risk management policies, and compliance requirements.
• Liaise with legal, finance, and operational teams to ensure contracts are executed and managed effectively.
• Maintain a contracts database and ensure all contract renewals, amendments, and obligations are tracked and actioned.

Strategic & Operational Support:

• Work as part of the business operations team.
• Support the customer success team by providing input to business planning, commercial contracts, and grants.
• Contribute to the development of business cases for new projects, investments, and funding proposals.
• Measure and report on KPIs related to grants secured, contract value, and process efficiency.
• Continuously scan for new funding and commercial opportunities, and proactively recommend actions to leadership.

Key Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Commercial Acumen & Negotiation
• Project Management & Organization
• Communication & Collaboration
• Data-driven Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Stakeholder Management

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in grant writing, management, and compliance (ideally with large-scale innovation grants such as EIC Accelerator).
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating and managing contracts.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare compelling business cases and presentations.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in a technology, engineering, or innovation-driven environment is highly desirable.

KPIs & Success Measures:

• Value of grants secured per year (target: £2 million+).
• Value and volume of commercial contracts managed.
• Timeliness and quality of grant submissions and contract execution.
• Compliance with grant and contract obligations.
• Contribution to business growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits, including company pension, life insurance, and death in service.
• A collaborative and inclusive team environment focused on learning and development.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person