Global Programmes Senior Commercial Manager and Capability Lead

Global Programmes Senior Commercial Manager and Capability Lead

Smiths Detection
, part of Smiths Group
, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place.

The Global Programmes Senior Commercial Manager and Capability Lead (SCM&C Lead) is a unique role that combines the typical responsibilities of a Senior Commercial Manager Role with a business objective to introduce Contracting and Commercial Management Excellence into the established Global Programmes environment in Smiths Detection.

The role holder will be responsible for the definition and integration of Contracting and Commercial Capability within Global Programmes and for leading its effective application across all Commercial Markets and the Americas. This role will enhance contract lifecycle management processes, improve risk mitigation strategies, and optimise commercial outcomes during project/programme execution.

The SCM&C Lead is a senior professional role with an overall purpose to lead contracting and commercial excellence and, in accordance with the purpose of the Programme Excellence Centre (PEC), shall provide specialist support to embedded resources across both commercial/contract and project/programme management (PM) roles.

The SCM&C Lead is a versatile role and day-to-day duties will vary in accordance with the needs of Global Programmes, however, the overall job purpose remains the same.

Please note, this is an individual contributor role, there are no direct reports or management responsibilities.

Successful applicants will have done a similar role within either Aviation, Construction, Defence or Rail.

• To deliver objectives defined by the Smiths Detection Transformation Programme Contract Lifecyle Management Improvement Initiative; initially, the full time focus will be on defining the Global Programmes contracting and commercial capability at a sufficient level to support the varying needs of markets.
• Work in collaboration with the Global Services Team to determine, as far as reasonably practical, a congruous approach that maximises efficiencies, but that recognises the specific aspects to be adopted for Global Programmes. The differing needs of project/programme execution to be reflected are driven by the short-term nature of the contracts, the need to manage variations and sufficient demonstration of scope fulfilment to achieve timely contract closure.
• Develop and implement standardised contract management processes within the PEC.
• Introduce commercial best practices to improve project/programme financial and risk management.
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure contract compliance and performance tracking.
• Provide training to project/programme managers and teams on contract negotiation, risk assessment, and commercial decision-making.

• Evaluate the existing sales, service and programmes organisational breakdown structures to identify existing skills, overlaps and gaps.
• Conduct capability assessments to evaluate contract and commercial management skills across teams.
• Recommend workforce development initiatives, training programmes, or structural changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead the development and delivery of training to teams utilising expertise where required.
• Develop guidelines for monitoring contract performance, obligations, and milestones.
• Implement tools and methodologies to enhance real-time tracking of contractual commitments.
• Support embedded Contract/Commercial Management and PM Teams in resolving contract-related issues, claims, and disputes.
• Ensure alignment between contract terms, project deliverables, and financial targets.

• Lead embedded commercial/contract managers and PMs to:
• Work closely with sales, legal, procurement, and finance teams to ensure commercial alignment across the project/programme lifecycle.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance contract negotiation strategies.
• Review contracts pre-signature and support negotiations.
• Assurance of contract administration during execution.
• Provide expert guidance throughout execution to embedded Commercial/Contract Managers and PMs.

• Benchmark against industry standards to introduce best-in-class contract management approaches.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to…