We seek an experienced Contract Manager to oversee commercial contracts across our UK operations. The successful candidate will ensure contractual compliance, mitigate risk and foster strong stakeholder relations. This role requires commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills and the ability to work with legal, procurement and project teams to deliver value and timely outcomes.
Contract Manager Job Profile
The Contract Manager will administer, review and negotiate contracts from initiation to close. They will act as the primary point of contact for commercial matters, ensuring terms are clear and deliverables are met.
Reporting to senior management, the role involves cross-functional collaboration to protect company interests, optimise costs and manage supplier performance within agreed service levels.
Contract Manager Job Description
The Contract Manager oversees the life cycle of contracts, including drafting, negotiation, execution, amendment and renewal. They will analyse contractual risks and liabilities, recommend mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements. Close liaison with legal and procurement teams is essential to align contractual terms with business objectives and to resolve disputes efficiently.
This role requires proactive contract governance. The Contract Manager will maintain a centralised contract register, monitor key dates and performance metrics, and produce regular reports for stakeholders. They will identify opportunities for cost optimisation, standardisation and continuous improvement of contracting processes and templates.
Strong negotiation and communication skills are critical. The successful candidate will represent the organisation in commercial discussions, lead contract close-out activities, and support procurement in supplier selection and evaluation. They will also provide training and guidance to project teams on contractual obligations and change control procedures.
Contract Manager Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end contract lifecycle for commercial and procurement agreements.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contract terms to protect company's interests.
- Analyse contract risks, liabilities and compliance issues and recommend mitigations.
- Maintain a contract register and ensure timely renewals and notices.
- Monitor supplier performance and manage service level agreements.
- Coordinate with legal, procurement and finance on commercial issues.
- Resolve contractual disputes and claims through negotiation and structured escalation.
- Implement and improve contracting templates, processes and governance.
- Provide commercial advice to project teams and senior management.
- Report contract performance, risks and opportunities to stakeholders.
- Facilitate change control, variations and claims management.
- Support commercial audits and compliance reviews.
Contract Manager Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, law, finance or related discipline; professional qualification desirable.
- Proven experience as a Contract Manager, Commercial Manager or similar role.
- Strong knowledge of contract law and commercial terms within the UK market.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- An analytical mindset with the ability to assess risk and financial implications.
- Experience with contract management systems and the Microsoft Office suite.
- Attention to detail and strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple contracts concurrently.
- Ability to work collaboratively with legal, procurement and project teams.
- Experience in dispute resolution, claims management and change control procedures.
- PRINCE2, APM or relevant project management or commercial certifications are advantageous.
- Clear understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to the business sector.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience in cost control and value engineering.
