Junior Contracts Manager / Contract Manager

Michael Page Legal; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit related bonus

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Enhanced pension contributions

27 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Hybrid working

Job summary

Michael Page Legal is seeking a Junior Contracts Manager to support the legal department in Abingdon, UK. The role focuses on managing and reviewing contracts to mitigate risk and ensure compliance while supporting the business.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management, drafting and negotiation.
• Ability to take a risk-based approach balancing protecting the business with strong client relationships.
• Ability to align legal/commercial objectives with business strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to articulate decisions clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier and client contracts from initiation to completion and lifecycle.
• Assist in risk assessment of contracts and statements of work; escalate risks.
• Draft and negotiate contracts from NDAs to MSAs, SoWs and framework agreements.
• Review and negotiate terms, flag risks and propose alternative language.
• Engage and communicate with stakeholders to explain contractual decisions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and robust governance within the commercial function.
• Collaborate with finance & commercial teams to support a cohesive function.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Contract management

Drafting & negotiation

Risk assessment

Communication

Organisation

Stakeholder management

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

As a Junior Contracts Manager in the legal department, you'll be responsible for managing and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance and mitigate risks for the business. Based just outside of Abingdon, this role is essential for keeping operations running smoothly and upholding legal standards in the business services industry.

Client Details

The organisation helps clients achieve strategic transformation goals by tackling complex challenges and delivering sustainable, measurable results.

Description

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 in order to achieve a good outcome for the business.
• 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.

Profile

A successful Junior Contracts Manager should have:

• Experience in contract management, drafting and negotiation
• Ability to take a risk‑based approach which balances protecting Newton 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.
• Excellent communication skills.
• 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.

Job Offer

• A highly competitive salary of between £40,000-£50,000 D
• 2-3 days in the office hybrid working
• Profit related bonus
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 27 days holiday+ Bank Holidays.