Description

Contracts managers are employed in various sectors, such as non-profit organizations as well as government organizations. They serve as liaisons between clients and companies in relation to contractual issues. Contracts managers are able to draft, review and sign any kind of contract that's agreed between the client and business for example, short-term contracts, annual or formal. They usually collaborate with the legal department and/or finance department to ensure compliance and any potential risks for either the client or business.

Contract managers also have to stay up-to-date with any ongoing marketing strategies competitors may be using as well as ensuring that their clients are happy with their current contracts, and that the contracts are current. Contracts managers also need to keep the documentation and records for contracts including correspondence with customers as well as status reports, and other documents pertinent to the project to which they are tasked.

In general, contract managers must take care to treat every client with respect. Every client or vendor has different conditions and rules of which contract managers must be aware. From the moment of negotiation through the signing of documents and the implementation of contract they are accountable for the contract and ensuring it is completed and handed over for all the parties. After that, they will be the primary point of contact for administrative and other issues until the contract is concluded.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Contracts Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing contract negotiation and drafting processes, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and company policies.
  • Overseeing contract execution and administration, including document management and tracking key milestones.
  • Conducting thorough contract reviews to identify risks, negotiate favorable terms, and resolve disputes.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align contract terms with business objectives and mitigate potential problems.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Contracts Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive knowledge of contract law and legal principles to draft, review, and negotiate contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to identify risks and mitigate them through careful contract review and negotiation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and internal teams, to resolve contract-related issues and maintain positive working relationships.
  • Proven experience in contract management, including contract administration, tracking key milestones, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and deliverables.

Essential Skills For Contracts Manager

1

Contract Drafting

2

Negotiation

3

Project Management

4

Microsoft Excel

Skills That Affect Contracts Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Strategic Negotiations

3%

Project Management

4%

Customer Relationship Management

2%

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of experience as a Contracts Manager in the UK, professionals like you have a wide range of alternative roles to explore. Here are following options to consider:

  • Compliance Manager: This position involves ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, developing compliance programs, and conducting audits to mitigate risks.
  • Risk Manager: As a Risk Manager, you would identify potential risks, assess their impact, and develop strategies to minimize them. You would also create risk management frameworks and communicate with stakeholders.
  • Project Manager: With your expertise in handling contracts, transitioning into a Project Manager role would involve overseeing project lifecycles, managing resources, budgets, and timelines, and ensuring successful project delivery.
  • Business Development Manager: This role revolves around identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.

How to Learn

The role of Contracts Manager is expected to witness significant growth in the United Kingdom job market. According to a 10-year analysis, this position is projected to expand steadily due to increasing reliance on contracts across sectors. The employment opportunities for Contracts Managers are anticipated to multiply as businesses recognize the importance of effective contract management. With the rising demand for professionals skilled in contract negotiation, drafting, and administration, job prospects in this field are expected to be promising in the future. Overall, the Contracts Manager role is expected to experience sustained growth in the United Kingdom, offering ample employment opportunities.