Contract Specialist jobs in United Arab Emirates

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Contract Specialist to oversee the full lifecycle of all contracts within the organization, with a strong focus on technical contracts, including those related to IT systems and services. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, including the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and must be capable of leading contract design processes based on organizational needs.

This role requires close collaboration with internal departments and external vendors to ensure that contracts are aligned with business objectives, compliant with regulatory standards, and optimized for performance and cost-efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Manage the full lifecycle of all contracts (drafting, negotiation, execution, monitoring, renewal, and closeout), including complex technical and IT contracts.
• Contract Design and Drafting: Lead the design and drafting of contract templates based on functional requirements provided by departments. Translate organizational needs into contractual language with minimal supervision.
• SLA Development: Develop and customize SLAs for individual contracts, ensuring they support cost control, quality assurance, and vendor accountability.
• Technical Contract Oversight: Collaborate with IT and technical teams including other departments to understand solution requirements and reflect them accurately in contractual documentation.
• Vendor Engagement & Negotiation: Serve as the lead negotiator with vendors and external partners to secure favorable terms while maintaining strategic relationships.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all contracts comply with internal policies, legal standards, and regulatory requirements. Recommend risk mitigation strategies as needed.
• Cost Optimization & Penalty Management: Identify savings opportunities, enforce penalty clauses when applicable, and ensure contracts drive financial efficiency.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track vendor compliance with contract terms and SLAs, and generate reports for Business owner or senior management on performance, risk, and savings.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as a key liaison between legal, finance, procurement, IT, and other departments throughout the contracting process.
• Cost-Saving & Financial Efficiency: Identify cost-saving opportunities on the existing and future contracts through effective contract structuring, negotiation, and performance management.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Contract Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management, legal, procurement, or a similar role.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Strong knowledge of contract law and related legal concepts.
• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Certifications (Optional):
• Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) or other contract management certifications are a plus.