Contract Specialist

Our client operates within the consultancy sector, delivering on strategic transformation outcomes across the public and private sectors, unlocking complexity to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Throughout their history, they have shaped and delivered hundreds of programmes across public sector, defence, and infrastructure organisations, and retail and consumer goods clients.

This is a highly prestigious organisation with a truly exceptional culture.

The role is for a Contract Specialist to join the dynamic Finance and Commercial Team.

You will report into the Senior Contracts Manager

This newly created position is integral to the team, focusing primarily on contract management and support.

You will assist in ensuring that contracting is performed efficiently and effectively, supporting the commercial business partners and protecting the commercial interests.

Our client works collaboratively with their clients, and the Contract Specialist will need to ensure they are easy to do business with while navigating contracts and providing advice which would include fostering good internal and external relationships.

This role requires a blend of attention to detail whilst being able to navigate and appropriately consider risk, contributing to the overall success of the commercial function.

Key responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Assist in managing all aspects of supplier and client contracts from initiation to completion and lifecycle management, ensuring timely and efficient execution.

• Risk Assessment: Support the review and assessment of potential risks arising from contracts and

statements of work, bringing these to the attention of senior team members.

• Contract Drafting: Help to draft and negotiate contracts from NDAs through to MSAs, SoWs and

framework agreements, demonstrating flexibility and openness to various negotiation aspects.

• Contract Review: Review and negotiate other party’s terms and conditions, flagging risks and suggesting alternative language to achieve good outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and communicate effectively with stakeholders, explaining the

rationale behind contractual decisions and fostering strong relationships.

• Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and maintain

robust governance practices within the commercial function.

• Business Integration: Work closely with the wider finance & commercial team to support a cohesive commercial function that drives the business forward.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist in implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaborative Opportunities:

While there is a separate core legal function with two qualified lawyers and a data protection specialist, collaboration with this team may be required occasionally on matters such as:

• Supply contracts

• Trademarks and intellectual property

• Data protection

• Public procurement law

• Employment law and contracts

• Software licenses and IT contracts

Required Profile

• Experience in contract management, drafting and negotiation

• Ability to take a risk-based approach which balances protecting interests whilst fostering good

relationships with clients.

• Ability to understand and integrate business objectives into legal and commercial strategies.

• Confidence in taking responsibility for decisions and voicing them effectively.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload, multi-task and prioritise

effectively.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including clear oral and written communication, and the ability to develop new relationships (both internally and externally).

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively on own initiative.

• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible as part of a small team.

• Ability to think ahead and anticipate needs before they arise.

• Ability to progress things at good pace and think fast on your feet.

• A pleasure to work with, with a sense of humour and a keen desire to achieve more.

This role can be based either in the Oxfordshire or London offices.

If Oxfordshire, a car will be required.