Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
Contracts Team Manager
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Contracts Team Manager
SSTL – Contracts Team Leader Opportunity
An exciting role to work in a pioneering space company, leading the Contracts department at SSTL.
About You
You’ll be an effective and confident communicator, excelling in both written and verbal communication, with strong analytical skills and a leadership mindset. You thrive in mentoring small teams and driving project success from start to finish.
About SSTL
Considered the pioneers of the small satellite market, SSTL boasts over 40 years of heritage, dedicated to innovation and improvement in space technologies, products, and services. Since 1981, SSTL has established itself as a market leader by delivering:
- Comprehensive multi-year, hands-on training programmes globally.
- Formation of space agencies in six nations.
- Flourishing space ecosystems worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
As Team Leader – Contracts, you will be responsible for:
- Organisation: Overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting and aligning the team’s work with shared goals.
- Contractual Leadership:
- Leading preparation, negotiation, and management of all SSTL contracts—from project acquisition to closure.
- Ensuring SSTL’s contractual commitments are met, including:
- High-value and complex proposals (both UK and export-based).
- Negotiation of contracts and amendments.
- Drafting and revising a range of contractual documents (e.g., NDAs, Licence Agreements, Heads of Agreement, Teaming Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding).
- UK MOD contracting, including single-source contracts and the Single Source Contracting Regulations.
- Team Building:
- Encouraging motivation, fostering a team player mentality.
- Serving as a mentor and coach for colleagues.
- Leadership & Vision:
- Leading by example.
- Providing a clear direction for the team.
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Key Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 15 years’ experience in the contractual field.
- Proven leadership experience, including mentoring junior team members.
- Deep knowledge of:
- Contract principles, drafting, and interpretation.
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies.
- UK MOD contracting experience, including:
- Single-source proposals and contracts.
- Participation in Single Source Contracting processes.
- Substantial knowledge of compliance risks and the ability to act with integrity, ensuring ethical standards align with SSTL’s mission.
Desirable
- Degree-level education.
- Space industry experience, including:
- Work with the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Familiarity with UK Space Agency funding, such as CEOI and NSIP.
- Experience with US Department of Defense contracting.
Required Competencies & Skills
- Communication & Influence:
- Strong inter-personal and negotiation skills across all hierarchical levels.
- Ability to persuade, analyse, and resolve conflicts.
- Excellent presentation and client-facing skills.
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Organisation & Drive:
- Highly self-motivated and proactive.
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
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Leadership & Problem-Solving:
- Decision-making and creative problem-solving.
- Experience in multi-tasking, delivering immediate and long-term goals.
- Exceptional performance under pressure.
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Technical Proficiencies:
- Strong working MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project).
- Ability to facilitate team alignment and project planning.
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Company Mindsets & Behaviours:
- Demonstrated commitment to the SSTL values:
- Accountability.
- Drive & Delivery.
- Effective Communication.
- Self-Management.
- Team Collaboration.
- Demonstrated commitment to the SSTL values:
Location & Working Arrangement
Head Office location: Guildford, reporting to the Finance Director.
- Initial period (full-time in-office): 6 months.
- Subsequent work model: Hybrid-applied in alignment with SSTL’s Hybrid Working Policy.
Benefits Package
A comprehensive benefits programme, including:
- 32 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance.
- Private Medical Insurance and International Travel Insurance.
- Annual Bonus Scheme and Share Incentive Plan.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents.
- High Street Discount Scheme.
- Additional benefits tailored for well-being and professional growth.
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