Contracts & Subcontracts Manager

Version 1; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology services company in Birmingham is seeking a Legal Team member to enhance contract management processes. The role focuses on managing public sector frameworks, subcontractor agreements, and reviewing commercial contracts. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors or experienced Contracts Managers with at least 5 years in commercial contracts, especially in the IT services field. Offering competitive benefits and a supportive work environment, this permanent position aims to develop strategic contract governance.

Benefits

Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme

Flexible/remote working

Private Healthcare Cover

Employee Wellbeing schemes

Educational assistance for certifications

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in commercial contracts, ideally within the IT services sector.
• Proven experience in large, complex procurements and managing both customer and subcontractor agreements.
• Strong understanding of Public Procurement Rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support across a broad range of UK Public Sector Frameworks.
• Advise on and manage Subcontractor agreements.
• Review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of other commercial contracts.

Skills

Qualified solicitor (UK or Ireland)

Commercial contracts training

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Education

Degree in Law, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Job description

Company Description

Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.

We’re an award‑winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:

• UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
• 3300+ strong, €350/£300m revenue business
• 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
• Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
• Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW

We’re a core values driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them, it’s deeply embedded within our DNA. Invest in us and we’ll invest in you!

Job Description

At Version 1, we are committed to building a Legal Team that is a long‑term business enabler, supporting our “Easy‑To‑Do‑Business‑With” ethos. As a permanent member of our Legal Team, you will play a key role in shaping and maturing our Contract Management and Subcontractor governance processes, working closely with colleagues across Commercial, Finance, Practice, Compliance, and Data Protection, as well as with customers and third parties.

You will join a dynamic and supportive Legal Team, where your expertise will contribute to the ongoing development and operational excellence of our legal function. We always have each other’s back and have developed effective ways of connecting while working digitally. This permanent role is ideal for someone seeking to make a sustained impact, develop their career, and help drive the strategic direction of contract and subcontract management at Version 1.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support across a broad range of UK Public Sector Frameworks, including but not limited to Crown Commercial Services (CCS) frameworks such as Technology Services 3 / 4 (TS3/TS4), Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS), G‑Cloud, Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP), Software Design and Implementation Services (SDIS), Cabinet Office Model Services Contract and other sector‑specific frameworks (e.g., NHS, Scottish Government, National Highways), ensuring compliance with framework requirements and supporting successful delivery under each agreement
• Advise on and manage Subcontractor agreements, ensuring flow-down of obligations and compliance with prime contract terms
• Review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of other commercial contracts, including those with private sector clients, suppliers, and partners
• Competent at reviewing contracts with an eagle-eye to identify risks and areas that deviate from company policy and explaining contract risks in plain English
• Collaborative and effective at escalating policy deviations to the designated approvers
• An experienced, proactive negotiator with strong active listening skills who drives the right results for Version 1
• Adaptive at working from commercial contracts (business as usual “BAU”) to non‑BAU requests to help our stakeholders with other business demands
• Develop and refine internal policies, procedures, and best practices relating to contracts and subcontracts
• Solutions/business‑minded – you’ll be adept at keeping stakeholders engaged at all steps of the process and shifting focus to align with business needs. Balancing risk against reward is part of how you operate
• Support the continuous improvement and long‑term maturity of the Legal Team’s structure and processes

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• Qualified solicitor (UK or Ireland) or experienced Contracts Manager with commercial contracts training and a degree in Law, Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in commercial contracts ideally within the IT services sector, but we are open‑minded, with a strong focus on Public Sector frameworks and Subcontractor agreements
• Proven experience in large, complex procurements and managing both customer and Subcontractor agreements
• Strong understanding of Public Procurement Rules
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels
• Solid grasp of legal and regulatory compliance, particularly GDPR, NIS2, AI Act, and DORA (desirable but not essential)
• Experience in developing and implementing internal policies and best practices for contract and subcontract management

Additional Information

Why Version 1?

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance‑Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call‑Out’ platform.
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.

And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.

Laura Cowan

[e-mail]