Contracts Manager

Air Arabia; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline in the United Arab Emirates seeks a Contracts Manager to oversee contract formulation and administration. This role encompasses drafting, negotiating, and managing various contracts while ensuring compliance with legal standards and corporate policies. Ideal candidates will have over 12 years of experience in contract management, strong negotiation skills, and a relevant degree. Join a dynamic team focused on optimizing contracts to align with business objectives and minimize risks.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in contract formation and management, preferably in aviation.
• Strong understanding of contract law and legal terminology.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
• Develop SOP and guidelines for contract lifecycle management.
• Provide training and mentorship to contract users.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Law / Commerce or MBA

Tools

Contract management software/tools

Job description

Job Purpose

The Contracts Manager is responsible for contract formulation and administration activities for Air Arabia Group covering product and services and leasing contracts for airlines in fleet, engineering and operations. The Contract Manager shall lead drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing a variety of contracts and agreements that Air Arabia enters with suppliers, service providers, and other third parties. This role involves a blend of legal and commercial expertise, business acumen, organizational skills, and multiple stakeholders’ management. The position ensures that contracts align with the organization’s goals, timely renewals, tracking and traceability of contracts documentation, comply with legal requirements, and minimize risks.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Develop the SOP and guidelines for the contracts formulation team and end users covering the end-to-end contract Lifecyle, roles and responsibilities and KPIs for the Contracts team covering Aircraft & Leasing Contracts, MRO & Technical Contracts, Ground Handling & Airport Services, Fuel Contracts, IT & Digital Services Contracts, Real Estate, Logistics Contracts etc,
• Standardize contract templates in consultation with end users and legal department,
• Manage the direct and indirect reporting team members for contracting activities,
• Provide guidance, training and mentorship to the contract users and collaborating team,
• Oversee the contracting process at other hubs.
• Periodic planning for contracting activities including renewal in consultation with stakeholders,
• Prepare standard and special terms for the RFP related to contract conditions,
• Prepare, review, and edit contracts, agreements,
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and legal standards,
• Identify and mitigate potential risks within contracts.
• Engage in negotiations with external parties to secure favourable terms and conditions,
• Interface with legal on red line review and negotiation strategy on boiler plate terms,
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align contract terms with business objectives and timely award.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive contract repository and tracking system,
• Monitor contract lifecycle, deadlines, and renewal dates,
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service levels and terms in collaboration with end users.
• Identify and assess potential risks associated with contracts,
• Develop strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard the organization's interests.
• Stay updated with changes in laws and regulations affecting contracts,
• Ensure all contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external parties involved in contracts,
• Collaborate with internal departments (legal, finance, end user, procurement) to ensure cohesive contract management,
• Review & negotiate contract terms, monitor contract extension. Closely coordinate with procurement, asset management, legal, other relevant department and finance for the following categories.
• Implement best practices and process improvements to enhance contract management efficiency,
• Effective implementation and usage of contract lifecycle management system,
• Develop and update contract templates and guidelines,
• Oversee the compliance of contracted rights and obligations with proper guidance to the end users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Law / Commerce or Master of Business Administration.

Work Experience

• Proven experience (12 + years) working in contract formation and management field, preferably in aviation industry.
• Strong understanding of contract law, negotiations, and legal terminology.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse complex issues, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency in contract management software/tools is preferred.