Contracts Manager

The Contracts Manager will provide commercial and contractual support to the Sales, Customer Support and Projects teams, ensuring that contracts are effectively negotiated, executed and administered throughout their lifecycle.

The role will involve preparing and maintaining supply and purchase contracts using the companies standard documentation, as well as reviewing, negotiating and amending customer-proposed contracts. The Contracts Manager will work closely with colleagues across the business to manage contractual obligations, identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks, and support the successful delivery of sales and maintenance contracts in the UK and overseas.

The role will also provide contractual and commercial support to Executive Managers and Directors on an ad hoc basis, as required.

The Contracts Manager will represent the company professionally and effectively when dealing with customers, suppliers, professional advisers, legal representatives and other external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve the companies standard contracts, templates and associated contractual documentation.
• Prepare and review supply, purchase, sales and maintenance contracts.
• Review, analyse and negotiate customer and third-party contractual documentation, identifying key commercial, legal and operational risks.
• Recommend appropriate amendments and risk-mitigation measures to protect the companies commercial interests while maintaining a pragmatic and balanced approach.
• Provide contractual and commercial advice and support to the Sales team throughout the negotiation and contracting process.
• Liaise with and instruct UK and overseas legal advisers where specialist legal input is required.
• Work closely with the Customer Support team in relation to the negotiation, administration and ongoing management of maintenance contracts.
• Work closely with the Projects team to support the effective execution of contractual obligations and manage contractual issues and disputes.
• Assist with the identification, assessment and mitigation of contractual and commercial risks throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Support the resolution of contractual disputes and assist with the interpretation and enforcement of contractual obligations.
• Provide ad hoc contractual and commercial support to Executive Managers and Directors.
• Build effective working relationships across departments and ensure contractual matters are escalated to management appropriately.

Person Specification

Essential

• Formal qualifications, or equivalent relevant experience, in engineering, construction, law or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or similar commercial/contractual role.
• Good knowledge and practical understanding of English contract law and the UK legal system.
• Strong experience in identifying, assessing and mitigating contractual and commercial risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation, influencing and analytical abilities.
• The ability to review and improve contractual documentation to strengthen the companies position while maintaining a commercially pragmatic and balanced approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments, providing clear and practical contractual support to colleagues and escalating matters to management when appropriate.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
• Proficient IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a regular basis, sometimes at short notice.
• Flexibility to work outside normal contracted hours when business requirements dictate.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of European legal systems, particularly French, German and/or Italian civil law as it applies to commercial contracts.
• Previous experience dealing with supporting bank guarantees and related contractual or financial security arrangements.
• Experience working with international customers, suppliers and legal advisers.
• Experience managing contracts within an engineering, manufacturing, energy or other technically complex environment.

Package

• 9 Day Working Fortnight
• Salary: Up to £52,500